Part of the "Lucent Library of Science and Technology," this title is intended for research and reading by upper elementary and high-school students. The book is filled with facts and informative narrative for the serious reader. Chapter headings begin with "The First Telescopes" and continue to the Hubble and beyond ("Peering Into the Future"). In explaining the appeal of astronomy since ancient times, the author quotes the astronomer Alan Dressler, "Astronomy has given us something that will help answer our ancient questions . . . Where did we come from? Are we alone in the universe?" This well-documented book includes extensive notes, an annotated list of books for further reading, works consulted, and a detailed index. All photographs and illustrations are in black-and-white.