Eyes on the Universe

More about the history of astronomy than just the telescope.

This is a very detailed book that covers astronomy from 6000 BC to modern times as well as the history of the events that led to the development and improvement of telescopes. It answered many of my questions about the development of glass used for lenses and metals used for reflectors as well as the materials and manufacturing techniques used to make the tubes and mounts. From the Sumerians to modern telescopes, up to 1975, it's all there. Read more