Prepare for the Total Solar Eclipse!

On Monday, August 21, all of North America will be able to witness a total eclipse of the sun! This is a big deal for many citizens of the US, since the last eclipse many Americans were able to experience, happened back in 1979. To refresh your knowledge on all things space, see our list of books to keep you company until you whip out your eclipse glasses on Monday!

Astrology for All by Alan Leo

He is considered the father of modern astrology: Alan Leo opened up the secrets of divination by the stars to the general public in the early 20th century with a popular line of astrology manuals that set off a craze for horoscopes that continues to this day. Here, in this replica of the 1910 fourth edition of his essential primer, Leo teaches us: the basics of astronomy required for an understanding of astrology, the nature and character of the twelve signs of the Zodiac, complete breakdowns of the affect of the Sun and the Moon on each house, what a horoscope is and how to cast one, and much more!

The Story of Astrology by Manly Palmer Hall

In this concise book, one of the preeminent metaphysicists of the 20th century gives us an extraordinarily informative and entertaining survey of the astrological disciplines and beliefs of the ancient Chinese, Tibetans, Hindus, Greeks, Romans, Aztecs, and Arabians. Then, his discussions of astrology as science, religion, and philosophy bring this paranormal system into the contemporary world, and he explains how, in his estimation, that the heavenly bodies, acting as the "foci of intellectual energy," dramatically sway the course of civilization itself. A classic of supernatural spirituality is a must-read for those fascinated by the influence of paranormal belief in the 20th century.

The Reading of the Stars for Those Who Love Them by A.M. Wrey

This charming introduction to astrology, first published in 1913 and difficult to find in print again until now, initiates the novice into the mysteries of the zodiac through a series of questions (with answers, of course!), such as: "Why should Astrology be known as the Law which governs the Solar system, and consequently our individual lives?", "Is it not supposed that the Pyramids were built especially for Astrological purposes?", "Which planet is said to represent "Evil" in the greatest degree?", "Is it not true that Planets have to go through the same kind of Pilgrimage as Humans"?, and many more. Discover the power of reading the stars... or get a new perspective on this ancient art.

From the Earth to the Moon and 'Round the Moon by Jules Verne

This is the legendary novel of technological speculation and social satire that launched an entire genre of adventure fiction: Verne's From the Earth to the Moon and 'Round the Moon is the first story of space exploration and remains a beloved work of daring exploits—and surprisingly accurate scientific conjecture. When the members of the Baltimore Gun Club—bored Civil War veterans—decide to fill their time by embarking on a project to shoot themselves to the moon, the race is on to raise money, overcome engineering challenges, and convince detractors that they're anything but "Lunatics." With this work, Verne inspired the first science fiction film, 1902's Le Voyage dans la lune, and accurately predicted that that ideal location for a spacebase is in Florida.