The Life And Death Of Stars (Isaac Asimov's 21st Century Library Of The Universe: Near And Far)

Grade 4-6–These third editions in a long-running series offer minor revisions to the previously published titles (1995), plus some fresh illustrations. Both books combine plenty of sharp, color star photos with basic information that is presented in three or so paragraphs of main text per spread, supported by relatively lengthy captions and brief closing lists of undated resources in several media. Life begins with the birth of stars in dust cloud nurseries; goes on to profile the different types of stars; describes supernovas, neutron stars, and other late-stage developments; then closes with an account of our Sun's probable fate. Milky Way examines various galactic types, structures, and superstructures, as observed by a wide array of specialized telescopes. Though recent discoveries have not been systematically incorporated, readers will find a mention, for instance, of the dark energy theory, but not of evidence for a black hole at our galaxy's center. The pictures, particularly in Milky Way, are striking, and both volumes, like all of their companions and predecessors, contain clear, coherent (if narrowly focused) accounts of their astronomical topics. Consider them as excellent collection enhancers, but not as replacements for the older titles.–John Peters, New York Public Library
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