"This book is the next best thing to having an experienced club member chatting you through interesting things to see."

Includes a link to freely downloadable higher resolution colour charts that you may print out or display on your tablet or other device.

For many decades, the advice given to beginning amateur astronomers has been "start with binoculars" but, beyond that, there has not been any specific advice on how to go about it. Stephen Tonkin shows you why this advice is appropriate, and takes you on a year-long journey through the night sky visible from northern temperate latitudes. At the end of this journey, you will have a sound basic knowledge of the sky and will have gathered useful snippets of astronomical information and whimsy along the way.

Although the book is intended to be used with a decent star atlas (the star charts in the book are size-limited by the page size), readers have the option of downloading a full set of higher resolution colour charts to print out or for use on a tablet or smartphone.

Review on Urban Astronomy blog:

"All binocular astronomy enthusiasts need to add this one to their collection. One of the things that stood out to me, was how there was quite a bit of unique information, which I've never read in any book or astronomy magazine before:
* Unique observing methods/approaches.
* Simple and effective methods for finding objects.
* Lots of interesting facts about the stars themselves, as well as some DSO's.
I'm enjoying the book overall. You owe it to yourself to check it out. If you're a fan of binocular Astronomy (as I am), then it's a no-brainer!"

Reader comments:
"I find this book a true pleasure to read - information is presented in a way that both new observers and experienced astronomers can appreciate... the myriad of great objects that are in this book one will come to again and again. The seasonal targets are well thought out, and useful for virtually anyone to find. Also an excellent resource for those doing public star parties wanting some great "eye candy" to show off the night sky..."
"I think it is fantastic. Easy to follow and an ideal book to accompany every binocular and small telescope session. It really is very readable."
"Naturally, a good intro for those starting off, but I would also say a useful reference as well."