A View of the Universe [Hardcover]

David Malin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 26, 1993

This lavishly illustrated photographic exploration of the universe will delight everyone intrigued by the night sky. This is the finest collection of color photographs of star clusters, galaxies, and nebulae ever published. Working with the world's most sophisticated telescopes and his own revolutionary techniques, world renowned astronomical photographer David Malin captures distant worlds and phenomena in their astonishing natural colors. These unique pictures are accompanied by nontechnical captions and a lucid text accessible and inspiring to the general reader as well as to astronomers and photographers. The foremost astronomical photographer in the world, David Malin is the discoverer of an enigmatic galaxy now known as Malin-1 and the coauthor of Colours of the Stars and Catalogue of the Universe, both published by Cambridge University Press. His photographs have appeared in locations as diverse as Australian postage stamps and the cover of Life magazine.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...an accessible, thought-provoking text accompanies a colorful panorama of the night sky, from star clusters and whole galaxies to a host of astronomical phenomena, captured by the world's most sophisticated telescopes." Forecast

"As an account of the technical problems of photographing stars, nebulae and galaxies, the book fascinates but, as well as brain food, it also provides a gourmet feast of images, as Malin takes the reader on a tour through the Universe. The collection of photographs includes 60 hitherto unpublished images." New Scientist

"A very colorful volume filled with spectacular views of celestial objects....Truly appropriate for anyone with an avid interest in celestial photography." A.R. Upgren, Choice

"...combines the hard science behind photography with the artist's eye to produce many of the most stunning photographs of the universe...gives the reader an overview of our current knowledge of the universe. Chapters delve into the nature of stars, interstellar dust, nebulae of all sorts, star clusters, galaxies, and clusters of galaxies...a book for all sorts of audiences." Robert Bunge, Astronomy

"...introduces the Milky Way and other spiral galaxies, the idea of magnitude, star nomenclature, and in-depth discussions of nebula, star formation, and supernovas, illustrated with marvelously clear and colorful photographs....highly recommended as a gift or reference." Internet

"Astronomical photographer Malin provides a strong collection of photos supplemented by a written description of each picture....should appeal to both college-level novices and those already versed in the subject." The Bookwatch

"Take a captivating topic, e.g. the stars...Blend a generous portion of color photographs with a measure of extractive technology. Knead in appropriate science terminology; explain as needed. Add human interest vignettes. Season liberally with a personal sense of wonder and awe. Top off with a useful annotated bibliography. Result: an epicurean delight. Try it; you'll like it." D.E. Zabel, The Reading Lamp Book Review

"...a joy to have and an inspiration for all amateur astrophotographers." H. J. P. Arnold, Sky & Telescope

" ...It can probably be said that this book contains the best collection of color astrophotographs ever published in one book, taken by the world's foremost astrophotographer....the text is very informative as well as entertaining and easy to read..a book all of us should treat ourselves to." to." Ben Gendre, Stardust

"The beautiful images in this lucidly written book convey effectively the unique role that photography has played in the scientific exploration of the small luminous fraction of the universe...[T]his book is the culmination of more than a century of astronomical photography, and the photographs may be the last of their kind....[T]he scope and rich detail of its photographs, and the technical skill of the author...will make this book a classic." Gerald Cecil, American Scientist

Book Description

A lavishly illustrated exploration of the universe for all those who have gazed upon the night sky with awe. This is the finest collection of colour photographs of nebulae, star clusters, galaxies and clusters of galaxies ever assembled. David Malin, the foremost astronomical photographer in the world, weaves a lucid and highly informative description of each picture into a well-rounded view of our colourful Universe. This book will appeal to all intrigued by the night sky as well as professional astronomers and photographers.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 284 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (November 26, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521444772
• ISBN-13: 978-0521444774
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 9.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,444,388 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Malin faithfully records the majesty of the stars, October 6, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: A View of the Universe (Hardcover)

For those with a love of astronomy, David Malin's _A View of the Universe_ is by far one of the most magnificent books available. Malin, one of the finest stellar photographers ever, has presented his readers with not only fascinating and eminently readable text about astronomical photography and the stars themselves, but has provided some of the most incredible photographs in existence. The images in his book are of a spectacular, moving beauty, giving the reader a sense of the wonder and magnificence beyond our skies. This is an amazing book--not only should astronomers read it, but people with little or no astronomical background will find it enthralling as well. Malin has brought to us the very beauty which first inspired humans to be interested in the sky--and doubtless many will walk away from this book with that ancient interest new-kindled within them.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning Astrophotography, February 1, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: A View of the Universe (Hardcover)

David Malin is one of the world's best astrophotographers. This book perfectly displays his work from the Anglo-Australian Observatory. The photos are stunning. Malin actually seems to be able to capture movement in his photos showing the universe is certainly not static. This book is a must for your library.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating, April 20, 2003

By 

Jerry Fry (Freeman, MO USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A View of the Universe (Hardcover)

This easy to read and understand book includes spectacular photographs and explanations of celestial sights and events. I flipped through it at Borders and bought it mainly for the pictures but it makes for good reading also. Malin takes you on a journey around the galaxy and to places further out, places like the galaxy M-83, which can be described in one word: incredible. He doesn't dazzle you with confusing technical terms. You almost feel like you're out on a clear, moonless, very dark night with a buddy who has a great telescope.