Solar System by Marcus Chown

Solar System by Marcus Chown
Buy Solar System by Marcus Chown at Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com
Category: Popular Science
Reviewer: Keith Dudhnath
Summary: With beautiful photographs of the wonders of the solar system, Solar System is a gorgeous coffee table book for anyone with even a passing interest in astronomy. Marcus Chown's descriptions are in-depth enough to warrant considered reading, but if you're after a simple and casual flick through, you'll still find plenty to appeal.
Buy? Yes	Borrow? Yes
Pages: 224	Date: November 2011
Publisher: Faber and Faber
External links: Author's website
ISBN: 978-0571277711
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"With beautiful photographs of the wonders of the solar system, this is a gorgeous coffee table book for anyone with even a passing interest in astronomy. Marcus Chown's descriptions are in-depth enough to warrant considered reading, but if you're after a simple and casual flick through, you'll still find plenty to appeal.

Solar System starts with the Sun and moves outwards, through the planets and dwarf planets, and their moons. We learn about asteroids and comets and their place in the solar system. We learn about astronomers and their place in history. It's the sort of hefty book that, when it's had its time on the coffee table, takes its place on a large bottom shelf, and is picked up by an inquisitive child who pores over it.

Marcus Chown always writes clearly and informatively, and here is no exception. Even if you were to remove all the pictures, it would still be a quality read. He imparts knowledge apparently effortlessly. It's heavy on information, but the text never feels uncomfortably solid or overwhelming. There's plenty of character and interest woven in, but everything is necessarily direct. On top of such quality writing, the photos make it a slick and beautiful book, that warrants and rewards intrigue.

Solar System would make for a great Christmas present, particularly for a family. Younger children will adore the pictures, even if they don't really take in too much of what they are. Older children will pick up a few facts here and there. Adults (its main audience) will find it an engaging read, as well as a thing of beauty. There's really nothing to criticise in such a delightful book. Highly recommended."

For more space-based reading, take a look at Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in Space by Mary Roach, The Comic Strip History of Space by Sally Kindberg and Tracey Turner (which is intended for children, but worth reading at any age), and The Pluto Files: The Rise and Fall of America's Favourite Planet by Neil deGrasse Tyson.

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You can read more book reviews or buy Solar System by Marcus Chown at Amazon.co.uk Amazon currently charges £2.99 for standard delivery for orders under £20, over which delivery is free.
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