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THE MOON a biography

The moon has fascinated humans since the earliest times. In 'The Moon: A biography' David Whitehouse traces our relationship with this intruiging object. He begins by looking at the features on the moon as seen through a telescope during its cycle. He then goes on to consider its influence upon our early mythologies and upon our view of our place in the universe. Whitehouse shows how the invention of the telescope had a profound affect on our relationship with the moon, and this leads up to the space age, where he includes some little known details of the race to land a man on the moon.

One might expect a biography of something to tell us how it has spent most of its life, which in this case means selenology. Although there is one chapter on the formation of the moon, there isn't much on its subsequent development, and if that's what you're after then I would advise you to look elsewhere. No, this book is principally about our relationship with the moon. At the end of the book Whitehouse looks at the possibilites for human habitation on the moon and gives a persuasive argument of why we should go back.

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Paperback 320 pages
ISBN: 0747264953
Salesrank: 3856358

Published: 2002 Headline Review

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Paperback 320 pages
ISBN: 0747264953
Salesrank: 925452

Published: 2002 Headline Review

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Amazon.ca info

Paperback 320 pages
ISBN: 0747264953
Salesrank:

Published: 2002 McArthur & Company / Headline Trade

Amazon price CDN$ 10.94

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It's brilliant *****
This is a remarkable book. One of the best science books I have ever read, certainly one of the best astronomy books. It has grandeur, sweep and vision and is inspirational. in places it is poetic. Charles Wood's nitpicks are unfair and inaccurate. The index reference to reflection telescope and not reflector telescopes is trivial and not inaccurate in itself. Only a pedant would moan about it. regarding his other points, I think Kuiper worked at the Lowell Observatory. As for the comments about lunar peaks starting at 15 km and not 40 km, that's not what other books say such as Paul Spudis's "The once and future moon." Aristarchus is the focus of a centre of rilles called (unsuprisingly) the Aristarchus Rilles, I've seen them. Whitehouse talks of magma infilling of basins at 3.9 billion years old which is correct and Wood takes him out of context. The crater Erostostenes does not postdate all mare. So I think Wood is being unfair and rubbishing this excellent book to promote his own, as I see he has done to Patrick Moore's fine book about the moon. You won't regret buying this book. I was sad when it came to the end.

It's brilliant *****

This is a remarkable book. One of the best science books I have ever read, certainly one of the best astronomy books. It has grandeur, sweep and vision and is inspirational. in places it is poetic.

Charles Wood's nitpicks are unfair and inaccurate. The index reference to reflection telescope and not reflector telescopes is trivial and not inaccurate in itself. Only a pedant would moan about it.

regarding his other points, I think Kuiper worked at the Lowell Observatory. As for the comments about lunar peaks starting at 15 km and not 40 km, that's not what other books say such as Paul Spudis's "The once and future moon." Aristarchus is the focus of a centre of rilles called (unsuprisingly) the Aristarchus Rilles, I've seen them. Whitehouse talks of magma infilling of basins at 3.9 billion years old which is correct and Wood takes him out of context. The crater Erostostenes does not postdate all mare. So I think Wood is being unfair and rubbishing this excellent book to promote his own, as I see he has done to Patrick Moore's fine book about the moon.

You won't regret buying this book. I was sad when it came to the end.

The Moon a biography *****
I cannot agree with Charles Wood, some of the errors he points out in the book are simply not there, or are trivial and amplified by Mr Wood who is the author of a rival book. I have read Mr Wood's book and it is not in the same leage as Whitehouse's excellent work and contains a great many errors of its own. What we have here is a competing author trying to prevent others from buying rival and better book - shameful. Whitehouse's book is the best book about the moon I have ever read. Read it and make up your own mind. better still read both the books by Whitehouse and Wood and make up your own mind. I did.

The Moon a biography *****

I cannot agree with Charles Wood, some of the errors he points out in the book are simply not there, or are trivial and amplified by Mr Wood who is the author of a rival book. I have read Mr Wood's book and it is not in the same leage as Whitehouse's excellent work and contains a great many errors of its own. What we have here is a competing author trying to prevent others from buying rival and better book - shameful.

Whitehouse's book is the best book about the moon I have ever read. Read it and make up your own mind.

better still read both the books by Whitehouse and Wood and make up your own mind. I did.

A good read - but full of errors ***
This book is a delight to read and it contains much interesting information about the Moon in science, history and culture, as well as anecdotes about lunar observers and scientists. But please don't believe everything you read! The book is so full of factual errors that I have to conclude that the author - apparently a radio astronomer - has no real understanding of lunar science! Starting with the acknowledgments - where the phrase reflection telescope is used rather than reflector - there are too many errors to list, but I will give a flavor of them: Lunar mascons are not due to buried iron projectiles; central peaks first appear in craters about 15 km in diameter, not 40 km; Aristarchus is not the center of a network of rilles; the Rheita Valley is composed of basin secondary craters; Beer and Madler's lunar map was published in 1834-6, not 1878; Gerard Kuiper never worked with Percival Lowell; the magma ocean formed 4.5 billion years ago, not 3.9; Eratosthenian craters postdate - not predate - the formation of mare; etc; etc. With so many errors in the lunar science and history sections, I have to wonder if there are others in the cultural discussions where I am less well informed. So, am I just being unduly negative, critical of details, and missing the value of a readable popular introduction to the Moon? Perhaps. The book does fill a gap and if it encourages readers to learn more about the Moon it will serve an important function. But in a larger sense this book is worrisome. It is like many news reports that tell a good story, but are ignorant or, or actively screw up the real content. I think factual honesty matters - the publisher and author could have cleaned up most of the errors with a competent pre-publication review - apparently they didn't bother.

A good read - but full of errors ***

This book is a delight to read and it contains much interesting information about the Moon in science, history and culture, as well as anecdotes about lunar observers and scientists. But please don't believe everything you read! The book is so full of factual errors that I have to conclude that the author - apparently a radio astronomer - has no real understanding of lunar science! Starting with the acknowledgments - where the phrase reflection telescope is used rather than reflector - there are too many errors to list, but I will give a flavor of them: Lunar mascons are not due to buried iron projectiles; central peaks first appear in craters about 15 km in diameter, not 40 km; Aristarchus is not the center of a network of rilles; the Rheita Valley is composed of basin secondary craters; Beer and Madler's lunar map was published in 1834-6, not 1878; Gerard Kuiper never worked with Percival Lowell; the magma ocean formed 4.5 billion years ago, not 3.9; Eratosthenian craters postdate - not predate - the formation of mare; etc; etc. With so many errors in the lunar science and history sections, I have to wonder if there are others in the cultural discussions where I am less well informed. So, am I just being unduly negative, critical of details, and missing the value of a readable popular introduction to the Moon? Perhaps. The book does fill a gap and if it encourages readers to learn more about the Moon it will serve an important function. But in a larger sense this book is worrisome. It is like many news reports that tell a good story, but are ignorant or, or actively screw up the real content. I think factual honesty matters - the publisher and author could have cleaned up most of the errors with a competent pre-publication review - apparently they didn't bother.

Enjoy the flight *****
The book starts with an interesting overview of the supernatural status of the moon in the older nations, including the Greeks, Romans, Chinese, French and even Africans. The God-status (in many cases Goddess-status) of the moon across the continents, proves the impact that our satellite has had over the ages. Whitehouse argues that the moon has lost its status as a primary object for astronomers. Probably as a result of technological advancements, man has increasingly turned his gaze towards the deeper mysteries of space, seldom sparing even a sidelong glance at the moon. The mid-twentieth century interest in the moon was mainly driven by political and military power play, rather than scientific interest. However, the book describes the history of lunar observation in much detail with specific references to map making and the (sometimes colourful!) characters involved in the development of our current knowledge of the moon. The theories around the origination of the moon and earth were of particular interest. The book is well-written and although full of facts, it is easy to read and should hold any reader's interest. It also contains myths and mysteries about the moon that balance the facts and science elements well. There are twelve pages with pictures and photographs that enhance the reading experience a lot. The book also has a handy index. The book is not only meant for astronomers or scientists, in fact there might be other more "pure" science books about the moon for such serious reading. Anyone interested in the moon or astronomy should enjoy this book. An optimal way to enjoy the book would be to sit with a map of the moon and a pair of binoculars, to follow the author as he describes the more obvious features of the moon. However, such an approach is not a prerequisite to enjoy the book. People interested in history will also find it a worthwhile read. Young people and students who are starting to explore the universe will also benefit by starting off with an easy read with factual information rather than the challenging pure science reference works. Although I have always had a "soft spot" for our closest extra-terrestrial neighbour, the book inspired me to appreciate the moon even more. It is always a pleasure to read a book written by someone who has an obvious passion for its subject.

Enjoy the flight *****

The book starts with an interesting overview of the supernatural status of the moon in the older nations, including the Greeks, Romans, Chinese, French and even Africans. The God-status (in many cases Goddess-status) of the moon across the continents, proves the impact that our satellite has had over the ages. Whitehouse argues that the moon has lost its status as a primary object for astronomers. Probably as a result of technological advancements, man has increasingly turned his gaze towards the deeper mysteries of space, seldom sparing even a sidelong glance at the moon. The mid-twentieth century interest in the moon was mainly driven by political and military power play, rather than scientific interest. However, the book describes the history of lunar observation in much detail with specific references to map making and the (sometimes colourful!) characters involved in the development of our current knowledge of the moon. The theories around the origination of the moon and earth were of particular interest.

The book is well-written and although full of facts, it is easy to read and should hold any reader's interest. It also contains myths and mysteries about the moon that balance the facts and science elements well. There are twelve pages with pictures and photographs that enhance the reading experience a lot. The book also has a handy index. The book is not only meant for astronomers or scientists, in fact there might be other more "pure" science books about the moon for such serious reading. Anyone interested in the moon or astronomy should enjoy this book. An optimal way to enjoy the book would be to sit with a map of the moon and a pair of binoculars, to follow the author as he describes the more obvious features of the moon. However, such an approach is not a prerequisite to enjoy the book. People interested in history will also find it a worthwhile read. Young people and students who are starting to explore the universe will also benefit by starting off with an easy read with factual information rather than the challenging pure science reference works. Although I have always had a "soft spot" for our closest extra-terrestrial neighbour, the book inspired me to appreciate the moon even more. It is always a pleasure to read a book written by someone who has an obvious passion for its subject.

A book you cant put down! *****
This book does what no other book on the moon has ever done, it combiens the history, the folklore and the 'esscence' of the moon together with its physical characteristics. 'The moon is certainly 'mankinds greatest co-conspiritor' and most people have lost touch with it these days and don't even notice it!, but once it was vital and ruled peoples lives, as it still does today, by changing the tides. few people know for example that Galilieo was not first to map the moon with a telescope, or that stone age people actually had Lunar calendars. It also describes a day by day account of which craters and seas are illuminated by the different phases of the moon, (very useful for observers). Well done David Whitehouse - It is a superb read. If you are even remotley interested in the moon then this book will be for you. It is what it says 'a biography'- of the moon (our nearest nieghbour).

A book you cant put down! *****

This book does what no other book on the moon has ever done, it combiens the history, the folklore and the 'esscence' of the moon together with its physical characteristics. 'The moon is certainly 'mankinds greatest co-conspiritor' and most people have lost touch with it these days and don't even notice it!, but once it was vital and ruled peoples lives, as it still does today, by changing the tides.

few people know for example that Galilieo was not first to map the moon with a telescope, or that stone age people actually had Lunar calendars. It also describes a day by day account of which craters and seas are illuminated by the different phases of the moon, (very useful for observers).

Well done David Whitehouse - It is a superb read. If you are even remotley interested in the moon then this book will be for you. It is what it says 'a biography'- of the moon (our nearest nieghbour).

A mix of lunar tales ****
You are unlikely to enjoy every chapter in this book, as they all quite different. Some chapters deal with the philosophical, some focus on the history of mapping and exploration and one large chapter (the second) highlights each visible region on its surface. I actually found the second chapter laborious to read. After skimming through it I found the rest of the book quite enjoyable. The last two chapters cover the present and future of lunar exploration. It left me feeling inspired. Why aren't we going back to the Moon? I should say in defence of Chapter 2, I will find it useful for those evenings when I look up and wonder what such and such a feature is. Overall this book is an easy read and should refocus some of the attention hoisted onto Mars.

A mix of lunar tales ****

You are unlikely to enjoy every chapter in this book, as they all quite different. Some chapters deal with the philosophical, some focus on the history of mapping and exploration and one large chapter (the second) highlights each visible region on its surface.

I actually found the second chapter laborious to read. After skimming through it I found the rest of the book quite enjoyable. The last two chapters cover the present and future of lunar exploration. It left me feeling inspired. Why aren't we going back to the Moon?

I should say in defence of Chapter 2, I will find it useful for those evenings when I look up and wonder what such and such a feature is.

Overall this book is an easy read and should refocus some of the attention hoisted onto Mars.

A comprehensive biography of our natural satellite *****
David Whitehouse has succeeded in bringing to life the history of our satellite, the Moon, combining a wealth of information and fascinating details of the people who have contributed to our present understanding of the Moon. From the records of the earliest civilisations to the latest scientific explorations, Whitehouse uses anecdotes and factual evidence to paint a colourful picture of our companion in space. He argues plausibly that we could not have advanced so far without the influence of the Moon, and dispels along the way many misconceptions and beliefs which have become part of its folklore. It is his belief that Mankind still has a need for the Moon as a place to explore and to enthuse future generations of explorers and scientists. We need to go to the Moon because it is a great and grand thing to do, and this, his first book, is a very good read as well.I can heartily recommend it to astronomers and non-astronomers alike.

A comprehensive biography of our natural satellite *****

David Whitehouse has succeeded in bringing to life the history of our satellite, the Moon, combining a wealth of information and fascinating details of the people who have contributed to our present understanding of the Moon. From the records of the earliest civilisations to the latest scientific explorations, Whitehouse uses anecdotes and factual evidence to paint a colourful picture of our companion in space. He argues plausibly that we could not have advanced so far without the influence of the Moon, and dispels along the way many misconceptions and beliefs which have become part of its folklore. It is his belief that Mankind still has a need for the Moon as a place to explore and to enthuse future generations of explorers and scientists. We need to go to the Moon because it is a great and grand thing to do, and this, his first book, is a very good read as well.I can heartily recommend it to astronomers and non-astronomers alike.

Myth magic and moonshine combined with lots of facts *****
A host of phantoms from lone craters of the moon This book gives a wonderful insight into how early' Skywatchers' tried to unravel the mysteries of our nearest neighbour. The book is full of myth amgic and moonshine combined with a lot of interesting facts. Being a Planetarium presenter, I was 'over the moon' to find a book with all the different aspects together and interrelated. Dr. Whitehouse's book presents us with a variety of fascinating characters, all with their own theories about how to map the moon, what it is made of and even who or what could live on it! Descriptions of early SF stories going back as far as BC are amazing especially the one called Sommnium written by Johannes Kepler an Astronomer of the 16thC. He solved the riddle of planetary motion yet came out with such fanciful ideas. Theories on how it was 'spawned', involving a collision between earth mark one and mark two is cosmic stuff! The Landscape of the Past Chap takes us through the lunar cycle from the day old crescent to the full moon, the sun passing over its cratered surface revealing a landscape sculptured and starkly beautiful. Even although men have now walked on its barren surface it still holds many secrets ans when it shines down on us we still want to ' cast beyond it' Is there any one there?...ofcourse there is!

Myth magic and moonshine combined with lots of facts *****

A host of phantoms from lone craters of the moon This book gives a wonderful insight into how early' Skywatchers' tried to unravel the mysteries of our nearest neighbour. The book is full of myth amgic and moonshine combined with a lot of interesting facts. Being a Planetarium presenter, I was 'over the moon' to find a book with all the different aspects together and interrelated. Dr. Whitehouse's book presents us with a variety of fascinating characters, all with their own theories about how to map the moon, what it is made of and even who or what could live on it! Descriptions of early SF stories going back as far as BC are amazing especially the one called Sommnium written by Johannes Kepler an Astronomer of the 16thC. He solved the riddle of planetary motion yet came out with such fanciful ideas. Theories on how it was 'spawned', involving a collision between earth mark one and mark two is cosmic stuff! The Landscape of the Past Chap takes us through the lunar cycle from the day old crescent to the full moon, the sun passing over its cratered surface revealing a landscape sculptured and starkly beautiful. Even although men have now walked on its barren surface it still holds many secrets ans when it shines down on us we still want to ' cast beyond it' Is there any one there?...ofcourse there is!