Review by Choice Review
Taff, who has a lot of hands-on experience in his subject and who has written the best existing textbook on practical spherical astronomy (Computational Spherical Astronomy, CH, Jul '81), has now produced this very useful and timely book on celestial mechanics. In contrast to older works (cf. Brouwer and Clemence, Danby, Moulton), Taff's book contains a lot of satellite dynamics. This is just the right mixture of a collection of formulas and a set of rigorous proofs for the theoretical mathematician and would serve excellently as a graduate text and for preparing e.g., doctoral candidates who are not specialists in celestial mechanics for their final examinations. The book reveals Taff's thorough knowledge of the pertinent literature (including historical vignettes) and the diligent student will profit greatly from working the many examples. A most welcome addition to the bookshelves of everyone who must, even if only occasionally, deal with the problems of modern practical celestial mechanics in academics, in a research laboratory, or in industry. A must for all college libraries.-H. Eichhorn, University of Florida
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
