Product Description

This is a modern classic in the literature of sky lore -- a comprehensive collection of myths, legends, and historical notes about each of the 88 constellations and the sun, moon, Milky Way, and shooting stars. Star maps depict the constellations with outline figures. Written for the non-specialist and widely respected by professional planetarians, this book provides a substantive review of the familiar star lore of classical Southwest Asian and Mediterranean civilisations as well as that of ancient China, South Asia, and traditional societies of northern Eurasia, North and South America, the Pacific Islands, and Australasia. This is one of the must-have books that should be in the library of every enthusiast of mankind's enchantment with the night sky.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #582448 in Books
• Published on: 2005-01-28
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 300 pages

The Griffith Observer, 1989
"This is the best book now available on this material and well worth owning."

The Classical Outlook, December-January, 1988-1989
The narrative is lively; the book most readable. The illustrations are the best this reviewer has seen for showing the novice the very perspective he will have from earth.

George Lovi, Sky and Telescope, January 1989
"Interest in constellations and their lore has enjoyed a growing vogue. . . .Yet, there remains a need for quality popular works, ones that are comprehensive and well balanced. The New Patterns in the Sky.fills this need admirably. . . . Looking at the current [edition] of The New Patterns in the Sky, I can appreciate what a major effort it was; to cover the subject comprehensively would require a multivolume work. But Staal chose his samplings well, from the familiar to the exotic. Neat and accurate star maps depict the constellations with outline figures."

Customer Reviews

Legends of the night --
The human race that has always been captivated by the sky, stars, suns, moons, asteroids, meteors, comets, and the infinite distance of space. So are the creatures we share this world with. Wolves howl at night and stalk their prey whether they are the giant Russian ones or those of the werewolf population. Witches brew their strongest potions, and cult worshipers gather in the darkness to perform their deeds away from light. The vampire rises and rules the night.

Certain qualities are associated with astrological signs. Predictions and karmic charts are based on the date, location, and time of birth. The Chinese Year of the Rat or Snake or Dragon brings vivid pictures to mind. The associations may not be right at all, yet most people can tell you their birth sign. I am a Gemini, the butterfly of Zodiac, first of the air signs, ruled by the mercurial Mercury and daughter of the Moon. Does that mean anything other than I found a comfortable way to add a quick and casual description of me?

Even in astrology, a birth chart is more defined by the rising moon or retrograde of a planet. This easy to read book addresses the lore associated with 88 constellations, shooting stars, the Milky Way, and the true ruler of our solar system -- the sun.

In Star Trek, we go boldly where no one has been before, Star Wars takes us beyond any dimension we experience here, the Alien trilogy, War of the Worlds, Red Planet, etc. all reveal aspects of a strange new life that is both enchanting and horrific.

One night the sun was setting. I held my little companion up so that she could look east and then west in the open desert. As the sky grew darker and stars popped out in the east, she also saw the sky painted gold, pink, purple, and orange to the west. Her voice was filled with wonderment as she said, "Oh wow!"

Now, I can teach her more about the stars, and show her The New Patterns in the Sky. Add this to your library and discover the magic of night, and, perhaps, a few more creatures.

Victoria Tarrani

Very interesting and informational
The book provides a good background on the myths relating to the constellations. Especially interesting is the coverage of the Chinese astronomy. However, I kept wishing there was just a little bit more information...