Patrick Moore Practical Astronomy

In modern musical history, this is probably the longest, and certainly one of the most productive relationships. The Academy of St Martin in the Fields and its founding director, Sir Neville Marriner, have been going strong since their first concert together in 1959. And the Academy has more recordings to its credit than any other competitor in the world, a remarkable achievement unlikely to be surpassed now that the classical recording industry has collapsed. Highlights over the years include the 1969 best-seller Vivaldi's Four Seasons and the Amadeus film-track bonanza of 1982-84.

Christian Tyler's account from behind the scenes chronicles this rare 50-year-long partnership and explains the alchemy which puts the group - ranging from eight to 60 players - ahead of its peers. He explores the dynamic that allows a freelance collection of Britain's best players to achieve musical unity and technical excellence. The portrait of Neville Marriner which emerges - both the man and the conductor - reveals a modest perfectionist with acute business and political skills, whose mischievous sense of humour has often defused tensions.

Although he no longer runs the orchestra, Sir Neville's presence and influence remain strong as does the public's identification of him with the orchestra. But questions which inevitably arise are: can the band outlive its founder and who will provide its artistic direction in the future?

The story Christian Tyler tells us is based on archive material, interviews with players, famous soloists who have worked with the orchestra, its managers, record producers and audiences. Though founded in London, the band's biggest concert audiences now are in the US and Germany (whose classical music radio stations continue to popularise it). So Christian Tyler's book opens appropriately with the players on tour in North America, and his vivid account of life `on the road'.

Over 70 photographs in colour and monochrome and original oil sketches of the orchestra and players.

The revolutionary computer-controlled Meade LX200 series of telescopes was introduced in 1992 and represented a giant step forward in technology. the series was an instant success, and Meade LX200 telescopes have since sold in huge numbers compared with many other astronomical telescopes!

The LX200s are extraordinary telescopes capable of producing amazing results, but managing them can be a chore. So You Want a Meade LX Telescope! includes the essential hardware operations and reviews the best of the many software packages available to aid you in the setting up and use of the telescope. Typical results and various ways to achieve these results are given in detail, so readers can know what to expect from construction to image. Also included are reviews of essential accessories such as CCD cameras and the latest "active optics" units.

This book gives readers the benefit of Harris's many years of experience as both a professional astronomer and owner of Meade LX telescopes, including the top end LX400. For anyone owning or considering buying a high-end Meade telescope, this book is the most valuable accessory you can buy!