The Greatest Comets in History: Broom Stars and Celestial Scimitars (Paperback)

From the reviews:

"This book is exactly what it says on the cover … . There are detailed accounts of how the comets would have appeared and changed during their appearance … and an analysis of the comments and drawings they made at the time of observing. … anyone who has an interest in astronomy could easily read this book. I imagine it would appeal particularly to those who are interested in astronomical history and in particular comets." (David Bowdley, Astronomy Now, June, 2009)

"For those with an historical interest in comets, this is a compelling book in that it succinctly presents an overview of almost fifty truly amazing comets … . The Greatest Comets in History … is an excellent book. It is totally affordable, and belongs in the library of all those with a passion for comets and cometary history." (Wayne Orchiston, Journal of Astronomical History and Heritage, Vol.12 (1), 2009)

"In this small book, Seargent … gives observational details about his favorite comets from ancient times through the present. … the book provides comet descriptions in chronological order. Photographs and artwork illustrate some comets. … volume includes a short glossary, suggested readings, and a tabular list of the ‘greatest’ comets. Readers with an avid interest in comets will value the completeness and detail of this work … . Summing Up: Recommended. All levels of general readers, undergraduates interested in the history of astronomy, and professionals." (M. Dickinson, Choice, Vol. 46 (11), July, 2009)

The Greatest Comets of History is unique. There are a few books on comets that make passing reference to some of the famous and spectacular objects of earlier years, and a few descriptive catalogues are available, but little detailed descriptive information is contained in either of these sources. This book fills the vacant niche that exists between general books, academic (and often cryptic) catalogues, and huge detailed catalogues such as Kronk’s Cometography. The Greatest Comets of History is a detailed descriptive account – in non-technical language – of what are deemed to have been the most spectacular and notable comets ever recorded, beginning with ‘Aristotle’s Comet’ of 372 BC and ending with McNaught’s Comet of 2007. Halley’s Comet is given a separate chapter and there is an introductory chapter on comets in general, explaining in lay terms what they are and correcting a few popular misconceptions. This is not only a fascinating read for astronomers at every level, but in pulling together a vast amount of information previously available only in disparate academic sources it is a major contribution to the literature.