Monday 26 October 2020
Review: The Mysteries of the Universe
And that’s before I open the book!
When I did, I realised why the presentation was so rich. Nothing less would do justice to the contents of this extraordinary, stunning book.
We travel through the Solar System, into the Milky Way, and onward to the constellations and the countless galaxies – Spiral, Interacting, Spindle, Elliptical, Lenticular.
The Universe above us has a language all its own.
I wade into the shallows of knowledge that are familiar to me but find that these new expressions are deep water that sweep me away.
The words, the names; they make me want to learn more, revisit every page to allow what I read to become part of me. I am overwhelmed by the beauty that is before me on every page.This to prepare other readers with a curious mind who are interested in finding out about what is above us. Be prepared for an experience that will leave you breathless.
It was the magnificence of globular clusters and stunning coloured nebulas including the spectacular Pillars of Creation found in the Eagle nebular, that convinced me I knew next to nothing.
This book is also biographical, as it has a listing and image of all the people that have followed their dreams to discover something in the skies above. Men and women are represented on this journey. As early as 567 BC, it is believed that Babylonian astronomers recorded the first sighting of the Northern Lights.
There is an extensive Glossary to refer to, plus a seven page visual guide that allows a quick reference. Anyone interested in the night skies will not want to miss this glorious publication.
Go slowly through this book. The illustrations and informal but comprehensive text demand it.
Title: The Mysteries of the Universe
Author: Will Gater
Illustrator: Angela Rizza & Daniel Long
Publisher: DK, $ 39.99
Publication Date: 1 September 2020
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780241412473
For ages: 9+
Type: Science
