The Sun, the Moon, and the Stars

Since the dawn of human consciousness, the sun, the moon, and the stars have inspired awe, curiosity, fear, and delight. The great works of art collected in this book beautifully convey the sense of wonder and magic that have always attended these cosmic presences. The illustrated works range from Tintoretto's painting of the mythical origin of the Milky Way to a star map by Albrecht Durer; from Claude Monet's Impression: Sunrise (the painting from which Impressionism got its name) to Italian Renaissance tarot cards of the planets; and from a golden Inca sun god to a Japanese painting of the moon and a rabbit. These images are enhanced by dozens of great quotations and by Richard Whelan's essays, which explore astronomy, astrology, and mythological lore through the ages.Lavishly illustrated with 185 paintings, drawings, photographs, maps, and charts, over 150 in color.