The Complete Guide to the Herschel Objects

"Deep-sky observers will appreciate this comprehensive guide that offers clear descriptions of the visual telescopic appearance of each one of the over 2400 Herschel objects. Wisely using NGC designations throughout, author Mark Bratton has produced a meticulous and highly useful contribution to amateur astronomy. Highly recommended." - Terence Dickinson, Editor, SkyNews magazine

"Some books have already appeared about the 2500 deep sky objects discovered by William Herschel in the late eighteenth century, but Mark Bratton's 'The Complete Guide to the Herschel Objects' is an exceptional one. It comprehensively covers the subject, giving an inspiring combination of history, theory and practical observing. The historical part describes the pre-Herschel findings, Herschel's telescopes, observing methods and his many discoveries. This valuable information establishes the basis for Bratton's own observations of the Herschel objects, made with various telescopes from different sites. The presented results show his great experience as a visual observer. This well organized book is an important tool for anyone interested in deep sky objects, both from the historical and practical point of view." - Wolfgang Steinicke, author of “Observing and Cataloguing Nebulae and Star Clusters”

"...as a guide to the Herschel objects this book is excellent. I would definitely recommend it to all deep sky observers and those interested in the historical aspect of deep sky observing, particularly William Herschel’s contribution. If you’re a serious deep sky observer who has advanced beyond the Messiers and are doing the Herschel Objects (the Herschel 400 is often viewed as the ‘next step’), then this book is for you. Highly recommended." - FJAstronomy.com

"This is a book that doesn’t just come along once in a lifetime or once in a century, but once in two centuries. To my knowledge, not since William Herschel created his catalogs between 1786 and 1802 has there been a comprehensive volume written by someone who has personally observed each and every one of the Herschel objects (and like Herschel, without the aid of electronics). Add to this the fact that Mark Bratton is an “observer’s observer” who knows how to organize an observing book in a logical, straightforward manner...The book is organized by constellations, which for most observers, is the way they think of the sky. The illustrations are also organized in a useful way." - Paul Lawler, reviewer for cloudynights.com

"...the catalogue of objects is a magnificent achievement that would have delighted William (and Caroline) Herschel." - Michael Hoskin, Journal for the History of Astronomy