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Whether you've never observed before, or whether you've been an amateur astronomer all your life, you will benefit from the hands on familiarity and experience in amateur astronomy and telescope making that the authors bring to this book. The new 6th printing is finally available and in stock. To those of you that have placed an order already, thank you for waiting Sorry no credit cards. Please pay by check. $29.95 plus $4.00 shipping for U.S. orders ($33.95 total). Foreign orders additional $20.00 shipping required ($49.95 total). Wisconsin residents please add $1.65 sales tax and $4.00 shipping ($35.60 total). With your order be sure to include your shipping address. Dave Kriege PO Box 804 Lake Mills, WI 53551 Let me know if you'd like your copy autographed (Dave Kriege only) Additional Articles Written by or about Obsession  About the book: This book tells how to build a state-of-the-art Dobsonian telescope using readily available materials and supplies. Every step of construction is detailed in photographs and diagrams, and the underlying ideas are carefully explained. As a result of this three year collaboration between authors David Kriege (Obsession Telescopes) and Richard Berry (Astronomy and Telescope Making Magazines), experienced and well-known telescope makers, you now have the opportunity to build a high-performance telescope from 8 inches to 40 inches aperture based on the thoroughly tested designs described in this book. The Dobsonian telescope takes its name from the astronomer/philosopher John Dobson, who introduced the concept of inexpensive, large aperture telescopes to astronomy. Amateur astronomers at the time were so amazed that a telescope built from simple, inexpensive materials performed so well that they could hardly believe their eyes. As home-built Dobsonians started showing up at star parties across the nation and people saw what Donsonians could do, the word spread. In just a few years, the Dobsonian revolution swept the world. Since those early telescopes, Dobsonians have improved dramatically. An entire generation of amateur telescope makers contributed their best insights and refinements to Dobson's original design. Today's Dobsonians are larger, lighter, and more precise than ever before. For example, it is possible to build a telescope of 20 inches aperture that is compact enough to transport in a hatchback automobile, yet takes only ten minutes to set up at a remote dark-sky observing site. Deep-sky observers especially appreciate Dobsonian telescopes. With the 20 inch (50 centimeter) aperture that the authors recommend for first time Dobsonian builders, hundreds of globular clusters, thousands of nebulae, and tens of thousands of galaxies are visible through the eyepiece. Planetary observers have discovered that from good observing sites, Dobsonians deliver breathtaking performance on the moon and planets. For the casual stargazer, familiar objects like the Hercules Cluster, the Great Nebula in Orion, the Lagoon Nebula and the galaxies of the Virgo Cluster are an entirely new experience. Reviews: Sky and Telescope, October 1998 "It belongs on the shelf of every amateur telescope maker, and for that matter every Dobsonian owner. With its whimsical style and thorough treatment of the subject the book is destined to become a classic..." mzeiler@esri.com from Santa Fe, New Mexico, 03/03/98. Outstanding guide for constructing a Dobsonian Telescope. If you've ever considered making your own large telescope, this book is the definitive tome. It discusses the practical considerations for building a large amateur telescope with materials mostly available at hardware stores. More important than construction details, the design criteria and simple theory are discussed in detail, so that the builder can intelligently modify the design and innovate new variations on this design. What's remarkable about the book is that it covers construction techniques in detail by one of the leading manufacturers of large Dobsonians and no holds seem to be barred. It's clear that the authors' motive is spreading interest in telescope making and their effort reflects the etymology and highest meaning of the word "amateur". My only quibble is that the authors downplay the rewards of grinding one's own telescope mirror. This topic is covered in an appendix, but further "pride in manufacture" and significant cost savings can be achieved by making your own mirror and it is not such a daunting task. The book is richly illustrated, engagingly written, and an excellent value for $29. ehansen@oasys.dt.navy.mil from Virginia, United States, 05/04/98. "The Book" if you're thinking about building a telescope. Excellent, interesting, and practical treatment of how you can build a state of the art, large to "giant"(8" to 40"+ aperture!) portable telescope. Uses the right amount of thorough well written engineering theory to justify the surprisingly simple component designs, materials, and construction techniques. The authors clearly want you to succeed. If your contemplating building a telescope based on your preconceptions, forget them, and read this book. The dobsonian approach featured here is a relatively recent major breakthrough in telescope design that few in the general public are aware exists. I can't imagine a "hotter" garage project for a dad to get into with his son or daughter. Paul Greenhalgh (President) Fraser Valley Astronomers Society British Columbia Canada. I thought I'd drop you a note to say "THANK YOU" for publishing your wonderful book on how to build an Obsession. As much as we would have loved to purchase one of your beautifully constructed and hand crafted telescopes, as well as support your wonderful company, alas it was to be an impossibility. Our humble club couldn't raise the funds needed to do so. Your unselfish act of publishing this excellent book, made our "wanting" dreams a reality! Our new 20" Obsession style telescope is truly beauty!!! An absolute breeze to use.... the result has been fantastic. I also want to thank you so very much, for your speedy assistance, in getting us the parts we needed, ie: Upper Truss Tube Clamps and Aluminum Side Bearings. The speed in which they arrived was absolutely outstanding! I CAN'T WAIT FOR FIRST LIGHT! Are we Obsessed yet? Dam Straight we are! And it's all thanks to you!!! She's Obsession alright, but built by FVAS members who followed your book to the absolute letter! AWESOME!!!! Clear Skies! Other Articles Written by or about Obsession: For reprints of the publications below please contact the publishers. Do not contact Obsession. Obsession's New 18-inch scope Obsession Telescopes Cloudy Nights Telescope Reviews Cloudy Nights Telescope Reviews Cloudy Nights Telescope Review Dobsonian Evolution - The Construction of Obsession 1 Building the 25 inch Obsession 2 An Observing Ladder for Big Telescopes R & D and Off-the-Shelf Parts The Obsession 20, Product Review Star People The House of Obsession Build a Backyard Observatory for Peanuts |
