This book is an excellent resource for information about space. It has many stunning pictures that capture the readers interest. It also has a great deal of factual information that is presented in an easy to read format. It is a great resource for anyone wishing to learn more about space, or just an interesting book to wander through.

This is a beautiful book full of great diagrams illustrating some difficult concepts in astronomy (for example, our place in the universe), wonderfully labeled drawings of planets, and the best of astronomical photographs. There are illustrations on every page. Little boxes of information offer more detail on some subjects ("milestones to the moon" or facts about each planets). The chapters are fairly short and easy to read. After some introductory chapters about exploring the universe and the tools that astronomers use, the book generally goes outward from the earth to the moon, the sun, the solar system, to distant stars (and their exotic varieties), then our galaxy (the Milky Way), other galaxies, quasars, and ideas about the beginning and end of the universe. The tiny star charts weren't very useful, but the glossary is nice. Although the book is aimed at a younger audience, many adults may enjoy the easy to read text and excellent illustrations.

This massive book is written in a very dry and scientific way, with formulas and theoretical explanations. It's free from humour, and references to the Universe as being something utterly fantastic and marvellous are few. Some of the text doesn't have enough supporting illustrations, which makes it is very difficult (if not impossible!) to understand. This is the most laborious book I have ever attempted to read, it's like bicycling uphill while pulling the brakes. I am currently on page 369 and have another 110 to go and I intend to finish it even though my eyes hurt and my head keeps nodding as I doze off. Still, I will be happy when I am done, for the book does give me added knowledge of the Universe, increasing my sense of cosmic marvel.

Had I rated this book during the first year I bought this book ,(early 1978), I would give it 5 stars. But now only 4. Much of the information in the book is okay and still used today. Common knowledge. But a few of the ideas and therories explaned are out of date. The whole book needs updating. With all we have learned about the known universe since 1980, the update would be thicker - but I am sure I would be interested in buying a copy.

I received this book as a Christmas present from my wife in 1982. I have read this book from cover to cover several times, and it gives the reader an astonishing amount of information about the universe. I have the 1977 edition, and the only regret I have is that Cambridge has not published an updated edition. With the changes that have taken place in astonomy, it still gives the reader an incredible background in cosmology. However, many parts of the book are rather technical. I think it is one of the best books about astonomy that I have ever read!