Patrick Moore Practical Astronomy

A Guide to Collecting, Restoring, and Using Telescopes of Yesteryear

By: Neil English

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Paperback | 30 August 2012

At a Glance

Paperback
256 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
15.5 x 23.1 x 1.1

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Classic telescopes are of interest to amateur astronomers for a variety of reasons. There are the dedicated collectors, but there are also many amateurs who love the nostalgia they inspire. These telescopes "feel" different from any contemporary telescope and perhaps have a unique ability to reconnect the owner to a bygone age of craftmanship. This book takes a look at traditional telescopes built by the great instrument makers of the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly the dynastic telescope makers, including Dollond, Alvan Clark, Thomas Cooke & Sons, and Carl Zeiss. Also included are lesser luminaries such as John Brashear, John Calver, William Wray, Henry Fitz, and William Henry Mogey.

'Classic Telescopes' covers the key features of the telescopes designed by these manufacturers, and shows how a heady combination of market trends, instrument condition, and pedigree will dictate their prices at auction. 'Classic Telescopes' also shows the reader how to find real bargains! Interviews with top classic telescope collectors (and users) provide the best tips of prospecting for a genuine acquisition.

Industry Reviews

"This is a fine volume and I have learned many interesting new facts about other equipment despite my long experience in this field. I wholeheartedly recommend its purchase." (Leonard Matula, The Observatory, Vol. 140 (1274), February, 2020)

From the book reviews:

"'Classic Telescopes' is a good introduction to historic telescope makers and their lives and creations mostly focusing on those telescope makers that also made smaller instruments that might end up in the hands of an amateur astronomer. ... In general it was fascinating and a fast read. ... this book makes for a good eye-opener as it introduces opticians and their work in a less academic way that would be appealing for a larger general audience." (Kadri Tinn, AstroMadness.com, December, 2014)

"Part of Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy Series ... Classic Telescopes approaches the topic from a skilled collectors and telescope operators perspective. The focus is primarily on refractors of yesteryear, with a scattering of reflectors from the past century thrown in. ... Classic Telescopes is an indispensable reference resource for anyone refurbishing or hunting for a piece of astronomical history. Interspersed with expert reviews and great close-up pics, this guide provides a unique insight into a fascinating branch of optics and astronomy." (David Dickinson, Astro Guyz, November, 2012)

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