With a comprehensive table outlining when to watch for meteor showers and a special mini-almanac pinpointing the solar and lunar eclipses of the planets, this updated book is the amateur astronomer's essential guide. Fully updated to include the latest information on forthcoming comets.
Perhaps my favorite of the reference books for novice star gazers. Though this book contains no glossy photographs or other visually enticing features, I did find it the most compelling for engaging my interest in the Messier Objects. An overview chapter is provided for each month of the year, including a sky chart for that month and a review/discussion of compelling objects (star clusters, Messier Objects, galaxies, nebulas and so on), including a "zoom" sky map relevant to these. A good book for the beginner.