Sky Dragons and Flaming Swords: The Story of Eclipses, Comets, and Other Strange Happenings in the Skies

by Marietta D. Moskin

Discusses unusual sky phenomena and how they affected our earliest ancestors, giving rise to superstitions and myths.

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1985

About the author

MOSKIN--Marietta D., 83, beloved widow of A. Donald Moskin and mother of James and Linda, died peacefully on August 3, in her home in Manhattan. Born in Vienna, Austria, she came to the United States with her parents in 1946. She earned a BA from Barnard College and an MA in economics from the University of Wisconsin, and worked as an economist for General Motors. Later, she became a prolific children's book author with sixteen books plus short stories and translations. She was a Holocaust survivor, and her book, I Am Rosemarie, was based on her experiences and has been translated into German and Dutch. It is still used in schools in the United States and Europe. She was a member of the Unitarian Church of all Souls for fifty-five years, and served on its board and committees and as editor of its Quarterly Review. Survived by her children, James and Linda. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

—The New York Times on August 7, 2011

Reviews

[Emelin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a treasure for anyone questioning the science behind and cultural significance of astral phenomena. This has to be the first time a single book has outdone any website overview of a subject, including wikipedia. A must-have reference for historical sightings and responses to eclipses and comets. Moskin breaks down the how, why, and when of these occurrences and answers the questions immediately raised by such knowledge.