The Soul of the Night: An Astronomical Pilgrimage (A Ruminator Find) (Paperback)

by Chet Raymo (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Originally published in 1985, astronomer Raymo's essays on the night sky explore the links between faith and reason.

Copyright 1996 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Product Description
Originally published two decades ago, The Soul of the Night is a classic work that is a must for those interested in the relationship between science and faith. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 210 pages
• Publisher: Ruminator Books (September 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1886913110
• ISBN-13: 978-1886913110
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,355,051 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Spoul of the Night, June 17, 2000

By	Susanne Faerber (Atlanta, Georgia, USA) - See all my reviews

This book requires a certain level of knowledge. Knowledge about astronomy, e.g. star constellations and star names, about chemistry, e.g. atomic structures, and about biology. Further more, a spiritual sense for nature and existence combined with a questioning but open mind should be part of the reader's characteristics. If you have all this, you will love to explore this book, just like me. You will find questions you are asking yourself, too, as well as new hints and new perspectives to look at "things" written in an almost poetic language. And, that's the best, you learn. Even though theories about quarks or the beginning of the universe and our existence are hard to understand, you will get an idea about it all with this book. Theory is presented in an easy to read way and written in a wonderful descriptional language using parabels and comparisons to create pictures in your mind. I am already halfway through and I do not want this book to end. It is going to be one of my very favorite books.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Intrinsic Radiance, January 2, 2000

By A Customer

A remarkable book written by a remarkable man. Not often have I come across a book that speaks of an utter enchantment with the stars, and so accurately tells of the grace inherent in them. I, too, am an astronomer, and am often at a loss for words for a description of the beauty that I try to relate to friends and, indeed, to myself. Chet Raymo's work is pure poetry, containing the symmetry of a love-affair with science and the acknowledgement of the unknown. From "Snakes and Ladders" to "The Blandishments of Color", he guides you through the convoluted terrain of the night sky. Delirious with his sublime prose, I can only finish by saying this- Read This Book. It ought to be required reading for every survey class in astronomy, and will be well-loved by anyone enthralled by the stars.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Engrossing, July 16, 2003

By	Reese Code (Michigan) - See all my reviews

I read this book for a college course on Ecocriticism and was totally spellbound. I read it in one sitting and it made me crave for that feeling you get while standing under the stars--realizing how small you are--and how infinetly wonderous at the same time. Everybody should read this book, it is beautiful and important for understanding humankind's place within nature.