Todd, long a professor of astronomy at Amherst, traces the science from its first observers through pyramid, tomb and temple, Greek geometry, Eratosthenes measuring the earth, Ptolemy and the Middle Ages, then turns to the Moon, planets, sun and stars as modern instruments revealed them. The tone throughout is that of a lecturer addressing curious general readers.
A readable survey that pairs the history of astronomy with its findings, good company for amateur stargazers. Download the free EPUB.