The Telescope: Its History, Technology, and Future

"... history and technology of a device that is great because it changed our understanding of our place in the universe." -- Justin Mullins, New Scientist

"The text flows smoothly, enhanced by vivid discussion and pedagogical flair... will fascinate readers." -- Rene Racine, Nature

Sets a high standard....The book is at its best when discussing modern telescopes.
(Martin Ince The Times Higher Education Supplement )

As we approach the 400th anniversary of Hans Lippershay's 1608 patent for a refractor telescope, Andersen offers an accessible, nontechnical account of instruments that show us distant objects...There are short but informative discussions of interferometry and advanced telescope techniques.
(Science )

A great guide to astronomy's indispensable tool.
(Ian Glass BBC Sky at Night )

A pleasant, lightweight, non-technical, and readable account...Although the book concentrates on the astronomical uses of telescopes, there is an interesting section on their use for surveillance (i.e. as spy cameras).
(C.R. Kitchin Astronomy Now )

A thorough, up-to-date and largely non- technical account spanning four centuries and including information for amateurs who want to establish their own observatory or even make their own telescope.
(Gerry Rising Buffalo News )

Geoff Andersen does what at first glance seems impossible: justice to the subject...He escorts you through time, from the first telescope to proposed giants like the Overwhelmingly Large Telescope...The book's real gem is Andersen's voice. His knack of writing personal and historical tidbits in a humorous, natural dialog highlights his passion for telescopes...The Telescope provides endless food for thought--even for us professional astronomers.
(Monica Bobra Sky & Telescope )

Andersen's title suggests that this is one of many how-to books about telescopes--not so! His focus is the history of the telescope--the invention that helped spark the Renaissance...Andersen spins an engaging story that can be easily read in one afternoon by any layperson. It is well worth a space on any science buff's shelf.
(T.D. Oswalt Choice )

This popular science book is of interest to anyone who wishes to learn more about astronomy and telescopes. It is well written, fascinating and delightful to read. The principles of telescope design are clearly explained with just enough detail to allow the interested reader to understand the basic concepts.
(OPN Optics & Photonics News )

This book not only covers the history of the telescope but, more important, it describes the most recent breakthroughs in optical technology and engineering. It also describes the nature of light in detail, without having the disadvantages of a textbook on physics.
(Charles Hughes Twenty-first Century Science and Technology )

The book covers everything from the history and workings of the very earliest telescopes to the science behind modern techniques such as interferometry. If you have ever wondered why telescopes need to be sited on remote mountain tops, or why they have to be so big, Anderson--who is an expert in telescope design with the US Air Force Academy--will tell you. The level of technical detail should be satisfying enough for even the professional astronomer, but the book is also arranged so that non-experts can happily skip any sections that get too technical without losing track of the narrative.
(Physics World )

Although not apparently aimed at the academic market, it would be a worthwhile read for undergraduate students wanting to gain an overview of modern techniques in optical astronomy.
(Fred Watson Observatory Magazine )

Written in a clear and accessible style, most of Andersen's story will be familiar to historians and amateur astronomers, but perhaps it will prove useful for a general reader who is looking for a gentle introduction to more detailed and comprehensive treatments.
(W. Patrick McCray Technology and Culture )