A Brief Survey of Classic Binocular Literature

As an enthusiastic, life-long collector and reader of astronomical and natural history literature, I’ve always appreciated the power and value of the printed word. Having re-ignited a keen interest in binocular observing, I was somewhat saddened to see that many great works of binocular optics and astronomy were being largely ignored by amateurs. To help redress this balance, this chapter will take a close look at a number of books dedicated to the art of visual observing using ordinary binoculars, where I offer short reviews of a number of inexpensive works. Their value lies in the collective knowledge of the authors who have produced these works; experience that far exceeds those offered by the self-proclaimed ‘experts’ constantly chattering on internet forums. And you will save yourself a small fortune – time and money – by heeding their advice.