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EDITORIAL INFORMATION

This well-illustrated volume is the most comprehensive account of Australian astronomy to date. It is both an indispensable reference book on the history of astronomy in Australia and a highly readable study of a scientific discipline in the context pf emerging nationhood. It covers not only the science, but the individuals involved and the social and economic climate in which they worked.

Starting from the ancient Aboriginal beliefs about the Sky World - the earliest known astronomy anywhere in the world - we are led through to the most exciting high-tech current and projected research being carried out at Australia's world-class national astronomy facilities and by groups in Australian universities. All branches of astronomy are covered - optical, infrared, X-ray, gamma ray, microwave, gravitational wave and theoretical - including the contribution of amateur astronomers.

The non-technical language, many illustrations and explanatory figures ensure that this guide will appeal to a wide range of readers - including professional astromers, historians of science, students, amateur astronomers and general readers.

(Extracted from the dust jackets)

GENERAL TABLE OF CONTENTS

-Contents.

-Acknowledgments.

-Introduction.

-1- Dreaming the Stars.

-2- Sailing South for a New Sky.

-3- Astronomy in Sydney Town.

-4- The Struggle for Independence.

-5- A Bid for Fame.

-6- For Love of the Subject.

-7- Astronomy on a National Basis.

-8- From Swords to Ploughshares.

-9- Radio Astronomy and the Big Telescopes.

-10- Entrepreneurs in Astronomy.

-11- The Advantage of Latitude.

-12- The High-Energy Frontier.

-13- Diversity Through Innovation.

-14- Optical Astronomy Goes High-Tech.

-15- A Telescope as Wide as a Continent.

-Notes.

-Glossary of Abbreviations.

-Glossary of Scientific and Technical Terms.

-Bibliography.

-Name Index.

-Subject Index.

OUR REVIEW

This was a very much needed work. A book that did justice to the achievements accomplished by the Australian observatories in the field of astronomy was necessary indeed. And the best to do this are some of the best known representatives of this science in this country. Thus, this book gives an absolutely comprehensive look at the history of astronomy research in Australia and its outstanding evolution, partly stimulated by its excellent location, which allows it to dominate the southern hemisphere.

Reading this book is therefore appreciating in all their magnitude the efforts that the scientific community of this country are endeavored in so as to not only contribute their part in the progress of the science of astronomy but also to cover a region in the sky that for a long time has been far from the most advanced technology of observation. The history, well written and exceptionally pleasant to read, takes into account the achievements, but also the people who produced them, as well as the facilities, the problems that appeared on the way, the political, economical and social climate that led to the building of the observatories, etc. At the same time, the usefulness of the glossaries here presented is specially attractive, as well as some of the little known historical descriptions, such as the astronomy developed by the famous (as well as important) aborigen communities.