Planet Mars: Story of Another World [Paperback]

Planet Mars Story of Another world is one of my favorite Mars books. As an amateur astronomer for 40 years and a Mars Society member I have read many books on Mars( see my other reviews for a few more Mars books). This book is quite remarkable. Its NOT a kids book but is an easy read. No heavy math.

Originally published in French the English translation is perfect. No mistakes. The authors Francois Forget, Francois Costard are highly respected scientists and professor Philippe Lognonne is well know in his field. The French book edition won the 2004 Grand Prix du Livre Scientifique d'Orsay.

It not a coffee table picture book but half of the 224 pages are fantastic quality pictures of Mars sites by different spacecraft and rovers and excellent drawings describing what the authors are saying. One of the best books that illustrates exactly what the author is saying. The descriptions and writings of the various subjects are well written and packed with information.For me a quality picture or drawing of scientific information is always helpful.

The 5 parts of the book are listed by the age of Mars starting with its origin and ending with man exploring Mars. Much information and pictures are given tracing the past flowing of liquid water on Mars. Mars weather is discussed. Both Mars moons are described. Many many topics are talked about and these topics are richly illustrated.At the end of the book Dr Robert Zubrin's "Mars Direct" approach is talked about. The lower cost way to send 4 people to Mars using preexisting technology and have them explore Mars for 1 1/2 years. . Definitely the way to go. ( Read Dr Robert Zubrin's The Case for Mars 5 stars).

Its rare to give ANY book a 5 star plus rating on both the writing and illustrations. The scientist and professor authors did it right. One of the best comparison writing to picture books I have ever read.

Parents can show their kids the many pictures and read the descriptions. Not too technical. If interested in Mars both will love this book. A great addition to any home library. Enjoy

For a college Astronomy class, I had to give a presentation on Mars--something besides the general knowledge factoids that you can dig up off the Internet. So, I went in search of a satisfying Mars book that went beyond the basics, but didn't tax one like me who isn't the best at science. I found this book on Amazon, and I order it! I was NOT disappointed! For a science book, I found this to be both interesting and entertaining to read. It contains some fascinating images and illustrations to explain the Red Planet--past, present, and future. I felt very close to Olympus Mons, the Solar System's largest volcano, and to many other Martian features after reading this book. I especially enjoyed the bit about Mars' moons.

If you are interested in Mars, this is a must-have!

These three French scientists have written the near perfect 'popular' science book .......a delight for the enquiring layman and cognoscenti alike.

The exploration of Mars over the past 50 years is undoubtedly one of the miracles of the modern age. Within a human lifetime Mars has gone from an image of a blurred blob in a telescope to a truly mind-boggling tale of discovery and knowledge, and this book has brilliantly summarized this explosion of understanding - replete with illuminating illustrations and photos.

Sure, there are dozens of books on the subject, but nothing I have come across compares with this beautifully conceived and richly informative book - an A to Z from the planet's earliest genesis right through its brutal history to the present. Every conceivable aspect of our knowledge is presented here: rivers, seas, mountains, climate, chemistry, volcanoes, canyons etc and the still to be resolved possibility of life.

By comparison, Roving Mars (Steve Squires) catches the thrill and challenge of the MER project, Postcards from Mars (Jim Bell) has some wonderful images but without any useful text, Mars 3-D (Bell) is just a gimmick, and Landscapes of Mars (Gregory L Vogt) is just thrown together with near asinine text .... and hand-trimmed photos?: who would have believed in 2008 a mainstream publisher would still be producing graphics non-digitally?, and Destination Mars (Rod Pyle) which is fine as a chatty account of the history of Mars exploration, but lacks any serious insight into what we know about this planet.
The only real exception and worthy contender is Ken Croswell's Magnificent Mars - still a milestone of very knowledgeable, crafted writing with great presentation.

In terms of comprehensible delivery and accessibility, sheer knowledge, insight, and quality of production (along mit German printing - the binding however could have been sturdier with stitched signatures), it is hard to believe this book can be bettered.

If you are 'into Mars', this is a purchase you will not regret.