I just thought I'd butt in and mention that I liked that book also.  I just can't find it and am not sure which edition it was, but the title was something to the effect of backyard astronomy. 

One good thing I remember is that you should start off with a good set of binoculars to see if you'll stick with it.  Lots of people buy a big telescope to find they can't go star gazing because of one thing or another and it ends up being a large, expensive closet decoration. 

I read mention of a star party this weekend to view Saturn.  All I have is a pair of Mead 8x25 or something like that.  I bought them for hiking and camping, but then thought, hey, Mead makes astronomy telescopes - maybe it will work for some stuff like the moon and maybe some planets or something.  In any case, I intend to check out some animals or something once the warm weather hits.  Hey, I gotta use them for something.  There's no beaches. ;)

Joe

 Jim Gibson <xajax99@yahoo.com> wrote:

Rich

The book you were just talking about, "The Backyard Astronomers Guid", Alan Dyer likes the Orion Lantnanum which you can get for under $100 if you don't get if from Orion. Dickenson on the othere hand likes th Pintax (more expensive). They both, of course, love the Naglers. 

I really like the book too. I am new to astronomy and the book covers a wide range of subject and give really good advice to beginners as well as good foundational knowledge.  It has a beautiful picture of M31 on the front and evidently Dickensen is quite an accomplished Astrophotographer; lots of cool photos.