Listmania!
Essential Astronomy.
Nightwatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the UniverseNightwatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe by Terence Dickinson
Buy used from: £10.27
The perfect introductory book for novices, and with a great format and style.
The Backyard Astronomer's GuideThe Backyard Astronomer's Guide by Terence Dickinson
Buy new: £19.91 / Used from: £18.90
A step up from Nightwatch, but a fantastic 'phone-book' sized book that covers everything in greater detail.
David Levy's Guide to the Night SkyDavid Levy's Guide to the Night Sky by David H. Levy
Buy new: £15.62 / Used from: £1.50
A wonderful and inspiring book to help you make the most of those rare clear skies.
Turn Left at Orion: A Hundred Night Sky Objects to See in a Small Telescope - and How to Find ThemTurn Left at Orion: A Hundred Night Sky Objects to See in a Small Telescope - and How to Find Them by Guy Consolmagno
Buy new: £10.31 / Used from: £9.73
Simply the best book to bring to the telescope. Cannot recommend it too much. Perfect.
Deep Sky Companions: The Messier Objects (Deep-sky Companions) (Deep-sky Companions)Deep Sky Companions: The Messier Objects (Deep-sky Companions) (Deep-sky Companions) by Stephen James O'Meara
Buy new: £21.64 / Used from: £18.40
A great introduction to the most famous deep-sky objects by one of the best observers.
Deep-Sky Companions: The Caldwell Objects (Deep-Sky Companions) (Deep-Sky Companions)Deep-Sky Companions: The Caldwell Objects (Deep-Sky Companions) (Deep-Sky Companions) by Stephen James O'Meara
Buy new: £21.34 / Used from: £8.60
A deservedly less famous list, but with the same great format it makes you want to observe more.
The Year-Round Messier Marathon Field Guide: With Complete Maps, Charts and Tips to Guide You to Enjoying the Most Famous List of Deep-Sky ObjectsThe Year-Round Messier Marathon Field Guide: With Complete Maps, Charts and Tips to Guide You to Enjoying the Most Famous List of Deep-Sky Objects by H. C. Pennington
Buy new: £24.95 / Used from: £26.01
A top-notch book and a joy to use, well-presented and usuable ANY night of the year.
Observing the Moon: The Modern Astronomer's GuideObserving the Moon: The Modern Astronomer's Guide by Gerald North
Buy new: £22.56 / Used from: £14.00
A well presented mix of science and practical advice, but the author tends to moan a bit.
Discover the MoonDiscover the Moon by Jean Lacroux
Buy new: £7.65 / Used from: £12.49
The best practical observers guide to the Moon I've seen, with excellent presentation, making it a perfect eyepiece companion.
The Planet Observer's HandbookThe Planet Observer's Handbook by Fred W. Price
Buy new: £20.99 / Used from: £9.18
A very specialist book, laden with maths and science, but required-reading for the serious planet enthusiast.
Touring the Universe Through Binoculars: Complete Astronomer's Guidebook (Wiley Science Editions)Touring the Universe Through Binoculars: Complete Astronomer's Guidebook (Wiley Science Editions) by Philip S. Harrington
Buy new: £11.06 / Used from: £7.13
With this book, and a pair of old binoculars, (nearly) all the mysteries of the universe will be revealed to you. A brilliant book.
The Cambridge Star AtlasThe Cambridge Star Atlas by Wil Tirion
Buy new: £10.88 / Used from: £11.99
Great binocular level or naked-eye atlas, with a feast of objects just begging to be examined.
Sky Atlas 2000.0 2ed Deluxe Edition: Twenty-six Star Charts, Covering Both Hemispheres, and Seven Detailed Charts of Selected RegionsSky Atlas 2000.0 2ed Deluxe Edition: Twenty-six Star Charts, Covering Both Hemispheres, and Seven Detailed Charts of Selected Regions by Wil Tirion
Buy used from: £129.29
The best large-scale atlas available, with a range of sizes and colours to suit all tastes.
Star Ware: The Amateur Astronomer's Guide to Choosing, Buying, and Using Telescopes and AccessoriesStar Ware: The Amateur Astronomer's Guide to Choosing, Buying, and Using Telescopes and Accessories by Philip S. Harrington
Buy new: £27.18 / Used from: £1.50
A guide to everything, EVERYTHING, an astronomer could want to buy. Phil wants us to have the best time possible while stargazing, and this book helps us to do that.
Seeing in the Dark: How Backyard Stargazers Are Probing Deep Space and Guarding Earth from Interplanetary Peril (Alex Awards (Awards))Seeing in the Dark: How Backyard Stargazers Are Probing Deep Space and Guarding Earth from Interplanetary Peril (Alex Awards (Awards)) by Timothy Ferris
Buy used from: £2.88
The ultimate book of 'why' we stargaze, superior to Peltier's book, and a great cloudy-night read.