Mapping and Naming the Moon: A History of Lunar Cartography and Nomenclature [Hardcover]

Ewen A. Whitaker (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521622484 | ISBN-13: 978-0521622486 | Publication Date: June 13, 1999

Almost thirty years after the Apollo missions, "Tranquillity Base", "Hadley Rille", or "Taurus-Littrow" are names still resonant with the enormous achievements represented by the lunar landings. But how did these places get their names? Who named Copernicus crater? Where did all those names on lunar maps come from, and what stimulated their selection? Ewen Whitaker traces the origins and evolution of the present-day systems for naming lunar features such as craters, mountains, valleys and dark spots. The connections between the prehistoric and historic names, and today's gazetteer are clearly described. Beautiful lunar maps spanning four centuries of progress wonderfully illustrate the unfolding of our ability to map the Moon. Rare, early photographs add to the sense of history. Comprehensive appendices and the bibliography make this delightful book a work of lasting reference and scholarship.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...a well-illustrated and substantive reference of value to every astronomical library. Those invested in sky lore, astronomical history, and lunar depth will want a copy..." Griffith Observer

"...a welcome new book on the history of lunar mapping. Ewen Whitaker probably knows more about selenocartography and lunar nomenclature than anyone alive." Sky & Telescope

"The most compelling facet of Whitaker's study are the 112 reproductions of drawings and photographs of the moon from the seventeenth century to the present, which, taken together, constitute a rich visual history of efforts to portray lunar features for the public and for scientists...Whitaker's study...provides a unique record of the development of our image of the moon's surface over a period of more than three centuries." Isis

"...offers an exhaustive survey, accompanied with numerous illustrations, of such undertakings, and his labor of love is bound to make the volume the definitive treatment of the subject." American Scientist

"It is the scope of the book and the unusual topic that carry and keep the reader's interest...a straightforward cartographic history on an uncommon subject. Its content and organization is excellent and typical of academic histories...a very interesting book. It offers a point of view on cartography that I think most readers of this magazine will not have previously encountered." Professional Surveyor

"...extremely enjoyable and readable without oversimplifying...The appendices and references, along with the book itself, are a valuable resource for studies of lunar science and the history of science...I would recommend this excellent book to almost anyone." Meteoritics & Planetary Science

Book Description

With its wonderful historical maps and rare early photographs, this book is a treat for everyone interested in the Moon. Anyone who observes the Moon, perhaps through binoculars or a small telescope, will appreciate this unique account of lunar mapping and nomenclature. How did the craters get their names? Who made the first maps of the Moon, and how were they improved over time? Four centuries of progress are beautifully summarised. The excellent appendices and bibliography provide a launch pad for those who wish to learn more.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 262 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (June 13, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521622484
• ISBN-13: 978-0521622486
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7.7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,766,427 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

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3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Science writing at its finest, September 30, 2005

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David Clow - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Mapping and Naming the Moon: A History of Lunar Cartography and Nomenclature (Paperback)

Ewen Whitaker has a gift for reading the lunar surface, and an equal one for writing that conveys not only the facts about the moon and the history of human interest in it, but also a true teacher's delight in sharing his knowledge and enthuiasm. This book will entertain and inform the layman as well as the expert.