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Lunar: A History of the Moon in Myths, Maps, and Matter

Lunar

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"Lunar" by Matthew Shindell is a astronomy book and space science reference focused on Deep Sky & Solar System. Best for students, researchers, and serious astronomy enthusiasts.

The first book to combine exquisite cartographical charts of the Moon with a thorough exploration of the Moon's role in popular culture, science, and myth. President John F. Kennedy's rousing "We will go to the Moon" speech in 1961 before the US Congress catalyzed the celebrated Apollo program, spurring the US Geological Survey's scientists to map the Moon. Over the next eleven years a team of twenty-two, including a dozen illustrator-cartographers, created forty-four charts that forever changed the path of space exploration. For the first time, each of those beautifully hand-drawn, colorful charts is presented together in one stunning book. In Lunar, National Air and Space Museum curator Matthew Shindell's expert commentary accompanies each chart, along with the key geological characteristics and interpretations that were set out in the original Geologic Atlas of the Moon. Interwoven throughout the book are contributions from scholars devoted to studying the multifaceted significance of the Moon to humankind around the world. Traveling from the Stone Age to the present day, they explore a wide range of topics: the prehistoric lunar calendar; the role of the Moon in creation myths of Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome; the role of the Moon in astrology; the importance of the Moon in establishing an Earth-centered solar system; the association of the Moon with madness and the menstrual cycle; how the Moon governs the tides; and the use of the Moon in surrealist art. Combining a thoughtful retelling of the Moon's cultural associations throughout history with the beautifully illustrated and scientifically accurate charting of its surface, Lunar is a stunning celebration of the Moon in all its guises.

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Best For: Readers interested in the Moon's geography and its cultural, scientific, and historical significance.
Focus: Detailed cartographical charts of the Moon combined with exploration of its role in culture, science, and myth.
Covers: Moon mapping efforts by the US Geological Survey during the Apollo program and the Moon's influence in popular culture and history.
Why It Matters: Provides a unique integration of precise lunar maps with the Moon's impact on human culture and scientific exploration.

"Lunar" by Matthew Shindell is a astronomy book and space science reference focused on Deep Sky & Solar System. Best for students, researchers, and serious astronomy enthusiasts.

Topic: Deep Sky & Solar System

Author: Matthew Shindell

Who this is for:

  • Astronomy students
  • Researchers and advanced hobbyists
  • Readers exploring space science topics

Why this book matters: It matters because it helps readers build a stronger understanding of astronomy concepts, observations, and scientific ideas related to space.

The first book to combine exquisite cartographical charts of the Moon with a thorough exploration of the Moon's role in popular culture, science, and myth. President John F. Kennedy's rousing "We will go to the Moon" speech in 1961 before the US Congress catalyzed the celebrated Apollo program, spurring the US Geological Survey's scientists to map the Moon. Over the next eleven years a team of twenty-two, including a dozen illustrator-cartographers, created forty-four charts that forever changed the path of space exploration. For the first time, each of those beautifully hand-drawn, colorful charts is presented together in one stunning book. In Lunar, National Air and Space Museum curator Matthew Shindell's expert commentary accompanies each chart, along with the key geological characteristics and interpretations that were set out in the original Geologic Atlas of the Moon. Interwoven throughout the book are contributions from scholars devoted to studying the multifaceted significance of the Moon to humankind around the world. Traveling from the Stone Age to the present day, they explore a wide range of topics: the prehistoric lunar calendar; the role of the Moon in creation myths of Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome; the role of the Moon in astrology; the importance of the Moon in establishing an Earth-centered solar system; the association of the Moon with madness and the menstrual cycle; how the Moon governs the tides; and the use of the Moon in surrealist art. Combining a thoughtful retelling of the Moon's cultural associations throughout history with the beautifully illustrated and scientifically accurate charting of its surface, Lunar is a stunning celebration of the Moon in all its guises.

AuthorMatthew Shindell
PublisherUniversity of Chicago Press
Published2024-11-04
ISBN-139780226836515
BindingHardcover
LanguageEnglish
SubjectsReference
TopicDeep Sky & Solar System

Format: Hardcover

Language: English

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