Totality

Reviews / Votes

Total eclipses of the sun are the most spellbinding sights in the heavens, and Littmann and Espenak's Totality is far and away the most complete and authoritative guide to why, where, and how to see them. Filled with useful observing tips and maps, it's a must-read for experiencing the great US solar eclipse of April, 2024, and an enduring reference for eclipse watching in the future. * Larry Marschall, Professor of Physics, Emeritus, Gettysburg College * This is a richly informative guide for viewing the Total Solar Eclipse of 2024. It probably answers every question you might have had about this upcoming event as well as some that you probably have not thought of. For anyone planning to travel to see this eclipse the information on weather and viewing locations will be invaluable. * Joe Rao, Associate and Guest Lecturer, American Museum of Natural History * The authors provide an essential run-up to the great total solar eclipse of April 8, 2024 with an interesting history of past solar eclipses together with predictions for where, and how, to best observe the coming event. There are also enough observer anecdotes and testimonies of past eclipses to convince even the most reluctant travelers to make an effort in 2024 to seek out mother natures' rare, but unparalleled, celestial performance. * Donald K. Yeomans, NASA/JPL Senior Research Scientist * A total eclipse of the Sun is a fascinating and moving event of great scientific interest. This book is packed with information and is ideal for anyone hoping to witness the 2024 eclipse, whether an experienced eclipse chaser or a first timer * Professor Philippa Browning, Jodrell Bank Centre of Astrophysics, University of Manchester * This is a book rich with wonders, revelations, and delights-visual as well as intellectual. There is just something so astounding about a total solar eclipse (I've been privileged to witness two), and Littmann and Espenak have captured that. They help us comprehend the how, the when, and the why of those few moments, as we gaze into the eyeball of majesty. Get ready for 2024. * Dr David Quammen, author of Spillover and The Song of the Dodo, among others * The authors serve up a splendid repast of eclipse adventure, history, science, travel, and story that captures the excitement and anticipation of one of nature's grandest spectacles. The evolution of the eclipse experience is reconstructed through the amulets of ancient China and the cuneiform tablets of Babylon, the geometric contrivances of Greek philosophers, and the discoveries of Renaissance, Victorian, and 19th-century scientists, all interspersed with an emotional smorgasbord of personal eclipse stories. Written by two experienced "eclipse chasers," Totality offers suggestions on travel, site selection, photography, and, best of all, how to just watch and absorb the unfolding, too-short, celestial drama. An invaluable composition, to be read before the 2024 eclipse and those that follow. * Jay Anderson, Eclipse climatologist * If there is a more complete modern book describing solar eclipses, I haven't found it. "Totality: The Great North American Eclipse of 2024" describes how, where, and why humans are privileged to see these events. This book offers much more than information on the 2024 total eclipse. Wrapped in history, it tells stories of observers' experiences during eclipses. I am impressed with how thorough these historical biographies and reports are. Successes, failures, surprises, coincidences... It has them all. * Stephen J. Edberg, Astronomer, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (retired) * Review from previous edition Plenty of professional expertise in its overall contents. * Owen Gingerich, Times Literary Supplement * The most thorough on the practicalities of viewing an eclipse... It's a great reference book. * Stuart Clark, New Scientist * At GBP25, this book is an extremely useful, affordable guide to both of these magnificent astronomical phenomena. * Steve Bell, Observatory Magazine * The purpose of this book is to prepare the readers for the two total solar eclipses in the US ... Everything the readers need to be efficient eclipse observers is here. * B. Ishak, Contemporary Physics * Total solar eclipses have terrified and fascinated people for millennia. Littman and Espenak describe the history and science of solar eclipses, with stories about how eclipse enthusiasts were affected by these spectacular events. If you haven't seen a total solar eclipse, this book will prepare you for the experience of a lifetime. * Ralph Chou, Professor Emeritus, School of Optometry & Vision Science, University of Waterloo *