Not only is this one of the best introductions to backyard astronomy, but its spiral binding allows the star charts to be used in a field guide manner. Its clearly written text and some of the most user friendly sky diagrams to be had, make it the one book you will see in almost all of the catalogs and shops concerning astronomy.

Nightwatch covers the night sky, stargazing equipment, and observing basics. It strikes the perfect balance between not telling you enough and telling you more than you really want to know. It also suggests where to find more information as your interest in astronomy grows. Fourth Ed. Spiral bound, SC, 1999, 184 pages, (List price $35.00) SW 1.5 lbs.