Why people write Thoroughly revised, updated and expanded. How writing began in different parts of the world

How climate and available materials affected the forms of writing The first three editions of NightWatch sold more than 600,000 copies, making it the top-selling stargazing guide in the world for the last 20 years. The key feature of this classic title is the section of star charts that are cherished by backyard astronomers everywhere. Each new edition has outsold the previous one because of thorough revisions and additional new material. Who wrote, and why — with quotations from ancient sources

The spread of literacy NightWatch has been acclaimed as the best general interest introduction to astronomy. The fourth edition has improvements over the 3rd edition in every chapter, including: The invention of the printing press and its effect on communication The famous charts, ideal for stargazers using a small telescope or binoculars The emergence of the Internet, e-mail and text messaging. A complete update of the equipment section, including computerized telescopes

An enlarged photography section, including how-to instructions for using the new generation of digital cameras for astronomical photography, both with and without a telescope The tables of future solar and lunar eclipses, planetary conjunctions and planet locations, updated through 2018. Valuable sidebars — Find Out More and You Are There — encourage the reader to explore new topics and engage the imagination with real-life descriptions of people and how they wrote.

This edition includes for the first time star charts for use in the southern hemisphere. There are also dozens of newphotographs throughout the book that show the latest thrilling discoveries made by current space observatories and probes. With more than 100 photographs of artifacts and documents from the collection of the British Museum, The Story of Writing is a fascinating history and a remarkable reference.

In this edition revised and expanded for use through 2018, Dickinson continues his tradition since 1983 of introducing North American backyard astronomers to up-to-date information on planet positions, alignments, and conjunctions. He also answers frequently asked questions about telescopes. The guide includes a foreword by eminent astronomer Timothy Ferris, new illustrations, expansion to the Southern Hemisphere sky (including sky charts), tips on night sky photography, resources, and a concealed wire binding. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Thoroughly revised, updated and expanded.

The first three editions of NightWatch sold more than 600,000 copies, making it the top-selling stargazing guide in the world for the last 20 years. The key feature of this classic title is the section of star charts that are cherished by backyard astronomers everywhere. Each new edition has outsold the previous one because of thorough revisions and additional new material.

NightWatch has been acclaimed as the best general interest introduction to astronomy. The fourth edition has improvements over the 3rd edition in every chapter, including: The famous charts, ideal for stargazers using a small telescope or binoculars A complete update of the equipment section, including computerized telescopes An enlarged photography section, including how-to instructions for using the new generation of digital cameras for astronomical photography, both with and without a telescope The tables of future solar and lunar eclipses, planetary conjunctions and planet locations, updated through 2018.

This edition includes for the first time star charts for use in the southern hemisphere. There are also dozens of new photographs throughout the book that show the latest thrilling discoveries made by current space observatories and probes.

Often cited as the best introduction to stargazing the 4th edition of NightWatch is revised throughout and includes star charts, equipment suggestions, astrophotography, tables and references good until 2018, and is a friendly and knowledgeable guide.