Lives of the Planets: A Natural History of the Solar System

I can see why people say this has a misleading title , and why intellectual snobs don't like it. Its a really great top level summary of the exploration of our universe - each chapter is a different planet/object Sun, Mercury etc. and the latest theory of the nature/history of each. I've just been to Cape Kennedy so am a late convert to space ... and this is just great for someone like me. Very easy to read ... nice structure ... i.e. a chapter per planet - so you can skip around if you like - its a bit like a collection of short stories ... good intro for dummies (like moi)

R. Corfield describes development of our knowledge about solar system and gives recent information on research of the planets. It is excellent book.

LIVES OF THE PLANETS: A NATURAL HISTORY OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM offers a survey of the most recent advances in astronomy which are leading into new areas of experimental science. Blending a history of astronomical inquiry with a focus on new discoveries and new ways of analyzing data, LIVES OF THE PLANETS offers a fine, wide-ranging review of solar system history and study and promises to interest a wide audience, from high school to college collections, to public lending libraries alike. Diane C. Donovan California Bookwatch

a fascinating romp through the planets and the discoveries that we've made about our solar system and beyond. this book is completely up-to-date and is written with a reverent look at the discoveries and the great unknown of the solar system. with a wry Brit attitude and a few personal touches this book never gets boring or too scientific. Mr Corfield clearly loves the subject and we feel it. Incredible pictures!

This up-to-date, engaging introduction to planetary science draws on the amazing range of discoveries made by space probes over the course of the last 45 years. Corfield not only provides a well-written overview of what we now know about the earth's companions in space: he personalizes the journey with his own experiences as a planetary scientist, provides interesting anecdotes and details about the missions themselves, and makes a compelling case for the intellectual and emotional value of space exploration.