Rating: 
Summary: Excellent resource for a lifetime hobby
Review: For those who have always been interested in astronomy, or for those who are new to the subject, this book is for you. The book covers everything from the basics of the different types of telescopes and how to buy one, to simply enjoying the stars using your two eyes or a pair of binoculars. Dickinson also covers more advanced topics, but everything you need to know to get going is here. If you are shopping for a telescope for yourself, a friend or loved one, buy this book first, or at least buy this along with the scope. You'll be glad you did.
Rating: 
Summary: overrated
Review: Gotta admit, I was very disappointed with this book. If you don't own any astronomy books and want a good primer, this is ok. Before you buy it, you may want to just check it out from the library and see what you think. Fairly expensive for what you get. I didn't see it as a ready reference. I'd recommend the spiral bound version of Nightwatch for beginners instead.
Rating: 
Summary: Good information, but dated
Review: I agree with one of the other reviewers, while this text contains some good rules of thumb, the product data is fairly dated even with the update in 1993. Most of the useful information contained in the text can be found online with just a little searching.
Rating:
Summary: Maybe the best comprehensive astronomy volume available
Review: I cannot heap sufficient praise on this gargantuan effort! Authors Dyer and Dickinson are to be highly commended for this gift to the amateur astronomic community...the sheer amount of practical information packed within this volume is enough to keep the budding ( as well as experienced ) enthusiast "woodshedding" through many a cloudy night! Telescopes of all brands and types are thoroughly examined, along with all the makes of eyepieces, digital equipment, etc...yet this isn't a mere technical treasure trove. These two guys clearly convey their passion for astronomy, along with frank, down-to-earth advice for everyone ranging from the novice to the serious amateur. If I have a single frustration, it's that this gem is far too practical a volume to be a somewhat unwieldy "coffee table" book...I want to order a second copy to chop up into manageable chapters bound individually (!) It's just that good! And did I say anything about the spectacular photographs?
Rating:
Summary: Maybe the best comprehensive astronomy volume available
Review: I cannot heap sufficient praise on this gargantuan effort! Authors Dyer and Dickinson are to be highly commended for this gift to the amateur astronomic community...the sheer amount of practical information packed within this volume is enough to keep the budding ( as well as experienced ) enthusiast "woodshedding" through many a cloudy night! Telescopes of all brands and types are thoroughly examined, along with all the makes of eyepieces, digital equipment, etc...yet this isn't a mere technical treasure trove. These two guys clearly convey their passion for astronomy, along with frank, down-to-earth advice for everyone ranging from the novice to the serious amateur. If I have a single frustration, it's that this gem is far too practical a volume to be a somewhat unwieldy "coffee table" book...I want to order a second copy to chop up into manageable chapters bound individually (!) It's just that good! And did I say anything about the spectacular photographs?
Rating:
Summary: My most prized Book on Astronomy
Review: I have bought around ten books on astronomy and this one is my favorite. It is a joy to read. It is written in a style of english that is understandable and a pleasure to read. It has hundreds of high quility pictures of state of the art information to date. It covers everything that you could possibly want to know about astronomy. It covers types of telescopes and which ones to stay away from buying to how to observe planets and deep sky objects. It covers the basics on how to use your first telescope. I love this book so much that I would recomend to anyone that want to know about the fun stuff that one would want to know on this subject. I'm not kidding this book is beautiful and I spend more time on this book reading over and over subjects that I want to know more about. If you want my honest opinion you will be very happy with this fine book.
Rating:
Summary: Read this book before you buy any astronomy equipment!
Review: I picked this book up and didn't put it down until I had read it from front to back. It covers everything from equipment and star atlases, to techniques for finding objects and photographing them. Every page has wonderful illustrations, all photographed or drawn by backyard astronomersRather than spreading itself too thin, "The Backyard Astronomer's Guide" concentrates on backyard astronomy as a hobby, staying away from much of the science behind the objects we view. This is one of the book's best qualities. The science and naturalization of objects in the sky is important, but there are plenty of other books dealing with this subject. The authors have a lot of experience in backyard astronomy, and it shows.
Rating: 
Summary: A wonderful introduction to all aspects of astronomy.
Review: I picked up this book to learn about astronomy, because I knew very little at the time. This book is a great resource for those people who know next to nothing and want to learn a lot more about everything. Terence Dickinson's book provide information for all aspects of stargazing. Everything from picking and purchasing the right telescope or binocular and accessories, to introductory nighttime viewing under various conditions, with even some information on more advanced astronomical activities, such as astrophotography, are all covered in an easy to read, informative format. A great read for anyone wanting to break into the hobby, and a great reference for those with unanswered questions. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: THIS BOOK IS AN OUTSTANDING RESOURCE
Review: I purchased this book 3 years ago when I first became seriously interested in amature astronomy. It is OUTSTANDING!! Anyone considering purchasing a telescope should read this book first. It provides very helpful information which will enable you to decide what type of equipment will best meet you needs, and how to use it. This book along with "Stare Ware" are the two most useful astronomy books I've had the pleasure to own.
Rating:
Summary: Beware - looks like a textbook
Review: I read all the reviews on this book and purchased it, but it was not what I had in mind. I was looking for a book on stargazing with the naked eye and picking out formations and general knowledge and lore about stars. This book was much more intense and thorough (equipment and photgraphing). Not a bad thing, just an fyi. If you are looking for a quick and easy guide, this may be more than you bargained for.
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