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.

July: The Month of the Moon

July marks a few very important anniversaries for those interested in space and the stars: the launch of Apollo 11 (July 16, 1969), the first manned moon landing (July 20, 1969), and 56 years ago next week, the founding of NASA (July 29, 1958). In honor of these awe-inspiring and amazing achievements, Cosimo is highlighting some of our interstellar titles.

Footage from the Apollo 11 moonwalk that was partially restored in 2009 (from NASA)

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

This 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 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." First published in France in 1865, this 1918 replica edition includes the 1870's sequel Round the Moon. 

The Ways of the Planets by Martha Evans Martin

This 1912 volume is as much a love letter to the night sky as it is a compendium of the state of astronomical knowledge at the turn of the 20th century, and so it remains a lovely read for those who understand the romance of scientific inquiry. The observational advice of this little book is still entirely useful-its tips for finding Mercury, Mars, and Venus by the naked eye are clear and concise-but even more vitally, its ponderings on the beauty of the planets manage still, a century later, to bring us Earthlings a little closer to those distant worlds. 

History of the Planetary Systems from Thales to Kepler by J.L.E. Dreyer 

More than a century after its first publication in English, J.L.E. Dreyer's classic work remains a helpful and readable introduction to historical astronomy. Beginning with mankind's first attempts to understand its place in the universe and continuing through the age of Isaac Newton, Dreyer rectifies errors and sets the historical record straight, connecting modern astronomers to those who laid the groundwork before them. This work covers: the earliest cosmological ideas, the Pythagorean school, Plato and Aristotle, the Ptolemaic system, Oriental astronomers, the revival of astronomy in Europe, and much more. 

The Story of the Stars by George F. Chambers

Though our knowledge of the heavens has increased astronomically (pun intended) since 1895, when this primer on skywatching was first published, this work, with its Victorian charm and poetical bent that will remind readers of H.G. Wells and Jules Verne, remains a treat for fans of the night sky. Chambers has an equally pleasant approach to the hard science of his day-from a simple explanation of how the study of the stars is connected to the terrestrial science of geography, his ponderings on the meanings of "temporary stars," to an exploration of the stars in verse, from Shakespeare to Tennyson, this book has it all.

Celebrate this month by watching an interactive recreation, find some cosmos inspired redecorating ideas, reading about the above topics, or simply watching the stars go by in the moonlight.

For more titles on space, exploration, and the stars, please visit Cosimo's astronomy page or our astrology page.