Brian Sheen of the Roseland Observatory, Cornwall, is a reviewer for the Federation of Astronomical Observatories. Here's what he says about John Watson & Michael Kerrigan's new book, The Sky Handbook.

"It is not often that we come across a book that is as different as the Sky Handbook - John Watson takes a holistic approach to his astronomy.

 There is a distinct lack of technical astrophysics and a focus on placing astronomy in an historical context. The book starts with a review of the megaliths to be found in the UK before moving on to early views of cosmology around the world

 The constellations are given good coverage, not just using the standard maps to be found in every book in the basic genre but also including images from antique maps, Greek history and legend are given a good airing. The solar system is well covered reaching out to the Oort Cloud and including comets and meteors.

 Our atmosphere, that thin blue band that appears in space images – the bubble that protects us from oblivion is reviewed with a strong environmental message. Look after our home it is the only one we have. Watson confirms that every snow crystal is unique even though it is based on a basic hexagon.

 Clearly a book like this cannot avoid mentioning climate change which is covered carefully. It also includes the effect of global dimming which is holding back global warming. Should this brake be released then the rise in temperature could cause the methane clathrates to break down causing untold problems for Planet Earth.

 This is not a first book for the novice astronomer but it is one that should find its place on the bookshelf of astronomers wishing to have a wider view of our place in the grand scheme of things."