Many stargazers can identify the bear-shaped constellation known as Ursa Major or spot Orion's famous belt in the night sky, but who exactly was Ursa Major, and why is Orion's belt so recognizable? Annette Giesecke (Classical Mythology A to Z) answers these questions and so many more in Classical Mythology of the Constellations. Teaming up again with illustrator Jim Tierney, Giesecke features the 48 constellations first identified nearly 2,000 years ago by the ancient Greek astronomer Ptolemy, as well as 40 constellations added centuries later to his original list. The myths behind each constellation are credited to a "synthesis of the best-known versions... a range of voices from classical antiquity," a recognition of the time-honored oral traditions that passed stories from the Bronze Age forward to modern times.
Amateur and experienced astronomers alike are sure to appreciate the direction given for both reading and mapping the heavens, and history lovers will delight in this decadent illustrated guide to the night sky--and the stories that live in the stars. --Kerry McHugh