In the News:

"Four-for-four, Birren's work bats 1000."

"From my perspective the best beginner's field resource would have the following characteristics:

1. Covers all showcase objects of each category (stars, DSOs, etc.)
2. Provides sufficient graphical positional information to enable the observer to locate each object
3. Provides sufficient textual information to allow the observer to understand what to expect and to verify the observation
4. Because we've limited ourselves to "just one" for purposes of this discussion, is contained in a single, field-friendly volume."

Jim Barnett, on Cloudy Nights (read the full text here)

Sky&Telescope, June 03
"...when you're heading out under the stars, you don't want to be bogged down with bulky sky references - all you want is a small, handy observing guide."
Sky&Telescope

"Sometimes, when you're heading out under the stars, you don't want to be bogged down with bulky sky references - all you want is a small, handy observing guide. Subtitled "Deep Sky Viewing List and Field Book for Small Scopes and Binoculars," this slim constellation-by-constellation directory provides basic information about nearly 600 (now 717) deep-sky objects for Northern Hemisphere observers. Almost 200 of these (mag 7 or brighter), are specially highlighted, and ample space is provided for taking notes. The text includes basic skygazing terminology as well as lists of the Messier Catalog, named objects, bright stars, and meteor showers."

AstronomyMag - Mar03

"...a wealth of information
in a clear, concise package."
Astronomy Magazine

"This handy field guide lists 588 (now 717) deep-sky objects by constellation, object type, location, size, and magnitude, providing intermediate-level amateurs a wealth of information in a clear, concise package."

The Webb Society Logo

"I feel this is a very useful publication
and have no hesitation in recommending it... particularly to those who are just starting out in deep sky observing and/or have small telescopes or binoculars. I would certainly have appreciated this little book when I was starting out in deep sky observing in the early 1990's."
Faith Jordan, The Webb Society (read the full text here)