Writing for amateur and novice astronomers, Schaaf (a contributing editor and columnist for Sky & Telescope ) provides a brief primer on telescopic astronomy and a month-by-month guide to the sights that can be seen in the sky (for observers in the northern hemisphere). The guides describe the types of objects that can be seen and offer tips on object location. Also included is a packet of maps including monthly maps showing the sky as it appears in the middle of the evening of the month and more detailed seasonal maps. A series of appendices list the brightest stars, the constellations, the Messier objects, and other celestial objects, with information on their celestial positions. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)