The Moon: A Full Description and Map of its Principal Physic

by Thomas Gwyn Elger

This book and the accompanying map is chiefly intended for the use of lunar observers but it is hoped it may be acceptable to many who though they cannot strictly be thus described take a general interest in astronomy.' (Excerpt from Preface)

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Carl]

This book was written in the 1890s so it contains some incorrect information about the moon. For example, the author states several times that the moon has an atmosphere. He also strongly implies that if we look carefully enough we should be able to find active volcanic activity on the moon. both facts we know today to be incorrect.

However, the author does a very good job of trying to present the known data with an open and unbiased mind, and the book gives a detailed description of features of the moon you can see from earth.

The book is much more comprehensible with an accompanying map of the moon (not provided with the version I read), or used along with a telescope to make direct observations.

If a teacher were to use this book as the basis of a class on selenography, then introduce various changes in our knowledge of the moon that have been introduced over the last 120 years, I think it could make a very interesting (for the students) introduction to the development of scientific knowledge and thinking as well as learning some interesting information about our satellite.