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Friday, December 16, 2005
Nine and Counting
by Dava Sobel
At first glance, you could be forgiven for thinking that this is a book about the solar system. The cover, with its cutaway dust jacket revealing a picture of Saturn, certainly gives that impression. And Ms. Sobel does get into some detail about both the basic facts all shoolchildren learn about the nine -- count them, nine -- planets. She also sprinkles the book with some of the most intriguing discoveries in planetary science.
Yet, this is not so much a science text as it is a love letter to the entire solar system. Using metaphor with a broad brush, we find out just what it is that fascinates the auther so about the planets. Why is the elusive husk we call Mercury endlessly fascinating to astronomers? Why is aloof Pluto so fascinating?
Ms. Sobel has followed her books Longitude and Galileo's Daughter, both obviously heavily researched and carefully presented so as not to put the reader off, with something probably taken mostly from her side fascination of planetary astronomy. Whether this is a new trend for her or simply a break in between "large" works, it's a delightful book. If you every found the skies interesting at all, you'll love The Planets.
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