Hartung's astronomical objects for southern telescopes : a handbook for amateur observers /

This is a difficult book to review without being a hemisphere chauvinist. Although the title implies that the book is for southern amateur astronomers, it in fact covers most of the sky and would be useful for observers at any place on Earth. (It is an update of E.J. Hartung's Astronomical Objects for Southern Telescopes, 1984.) Illustrated with lovely color pictures by Malin, it is a handsome book. The many objects it describes that are visible only from southern skies will make enthusiasts want to travel south. For such observers and those living in the southern hemisphere, it is unsurpassed. For northern hemisphere libraries, it is not an essential acquisition unless they have heavy usage by amateur astronomers. All levels. T. T. Arny University of Massachusetts at Amherst