In the preface, the authors of Illustrated Guide to Astronomical Wonders sell it as primarily a field observing guide. Unfortunately, that label seriously understates the outstanding utility of this book! This is an incredible resource for the beginning and intermediate amateur astronomer.
The authors start with two extremely well written chapters to aid the beginner: one on Deep Space Object (DSO) observing and on on astronomical equipment. The remainder of the book consists mostly of short tours through 50 constellations visible to most astronomers in the northern hemisphere.
The chapter on DSO observing is a must read, regardless of experience level. This chapter not only covers the basics of DSO objects (what a PN, OC and GX are and their associated classification codes), but it also gives a detailed orientation of how the individual chapters and observations are listed. This part is necessary as some of the nomenclature used in the book is brand new (unless, of course, you already know what MBUdr is and how it differs from mbuDR).
The chapter on equipment covers almost everything the beginner needs to know about these instruments. There is a detailed discussion on binoculars, telescopes, eyepieces, atlases (both paper and computer), filters, finders, plansipheres and lists of “other things” that the observer may want nearby. The discussions pull no punches on the pros and cons of these items, which makes it one of the best short discussions I've ever read on these topics. It is very even-handed in its approach and isn't afraid of including dissenting opinions when warranted.
While the first two chapters are an incredible resource, the meat of this book is in the chapters on the individual constellations. This is where the book absolutely shines! Each chapter starts with a short discussion on the constellation. The discussion starts with a section on the story behind the name of the constellation, often delving into the mythology behind it. While not necessary to the observer, it's still very interesting. Then the basic characteristics of the constellation are listed (size, location, relationship to the galactic plane, etc). Once the discussion is completed, two lists of observing targets are given: the Deep Space Objects and multiple stars that are discussed in depth later in the chapter. Finally, a star chart showing the constellation is presented. This star chart has each of the items listed in the previous tables included on it.
What makes this book indispensable is the individual observations. The observation starts with a listing of the name, DSO type, magnitude, location, size and a rating listed in a table. It also uses a shorthand notation detailing what astronomical lists include the object (this MBUDR shorthand notation is completely bewildering if you don't read the first chapter). Once these housekeeping chores are out of the way, the authors wrote a short essay on the object. The first paragraph of this essay details some basics about the object (for example, the number of stars in the cluster and its classification) and includes any historical information on when the DSO was discovered. The next paragraph discusses what the object “looks like” through any number of instruments (naked eye, binoculars, small and/or medium-sized telescopes). It also identifies what filters improve the view. This really gives a good idea of what can be expected when viewing the object. Finally, there is a discussion on how to best find the DSO. Two figures are included for most DSOs, a star chart to help find it and a photo of the object. The star chart includes circles on it for a 5° finder and a 1° eyepiece view and it's very easy to use the chart in conjunction with the star-hopping instructions.
But in all honesty, what really thrilled me with this book were the photographs, and not because they are great astrophotographs taken by the Hubble Telescope. Instead, the authors shunned the Hubble-telescope views for something infinitely more useful. Namely, a black and white photo centered on the object and with a fixed, 1° view. For those of us who like to sketch our observations, this view is very easy to reconcile with our sketches, even if those sketches are of other field widths. This one feature alone is worth the price of the book! Beginners will love being able to come in from a night of observing and see that the sketch they made actually looks like the object! I have spent several hours going back over my past observations and comparing them to the book! In that way, this book is not just a field guide, it's also a very useful desk reference!
The authors have managed to do what is often impossible. They've married an incredible amount of information with an easy-to-read style that keeps your interest from page to page. I heartily recommend this book to any amateur astronomer! With its engaging prose and over 500 individual objects described in detail, this book will easily keep you busy both at the telescope and in your favorite recliner!
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