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Reflector Book Review:
Under an English Heaven:
The Life of George Alcock.
Category: Biographies
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Under an English Heaven: The Life of George
Alcock
Kay Williams
Genesis Publications, Lt.d 1996
9 Pilgrim House, Quarry Street
Guildford, Surrey, England GUL1 3XY
228 pages hardbound, $44.95 plus $10 shipping.
Website: www.genesis-publications.com/books/alcock/index.html
Scattered around our planet is a very
small band of amateur astronomers who scan the night
skies for unknown nova, supernova, asteroids, and comets.
Usually specializing in just one type of object, these
skypatrollers may spend many years of painstaking work
at their instruments before finding their quarry. No
amount of time invested, however, will guarantee success,
and some individuals unfortunately search a lifetime
without reward. Under an English Heaven documents
the amazing like of George Alcock, a British amateur
and very successful member of this elite group of skywatchers.
This book's exterior is covered with
a beautiful dark blue cloth which is sprinkled with
silver stars and a lovely comet. But even more impressive
is what's contained within its pages. The author has
used a good number of photos (some color), sketches,
and other illustrations, as well as lots of interesting
text describing the life of a celestial hunter. Alcock's
military career as a radio operator, involvement in
the British Astronomical Association and life with his
wife, Mary, are some of the subjects included by Williams.
After only a few chapters into the
book, I had quickly learned that George Alcock is a
very passionate person, and not just about astronomy.
Although best known for his five comets and five nova
discoveries, a few of his other interests include: music,
architecture, trains, weather forecasting, drawing,
bird watching, and Morse code. His true love, however,
is sharing his knowledge with others.
Alcock made his living teaching school.
Along with their regular curriculum, his students received
daily doses about the importance of living life to the
fullest. His innate love for life and people, plus his
"never say never" attitude, was very contagious. Most
of his students will admit that he forever changed their
lives. But you would expect no less from someone who
preached to all that would listen, "Live every moment
of life, don't waste a minute."
Under an English Heaven is
a well written book that was a pleasure to read, and
the majority of its pages are loaded with skygazing
adventure. I would, however, like to have heard a little
more detail about some of Alcock's discoveries, since
I am a comet hunter myself. Nevertheless, Williams has
produced a book that is sure to become a classic among
amateur astronomers. And George Alcock, now at age 84,
still enjoys the night-life under his English Heaven.
Howard J. Brewington
Alamogordo Amateur Astronomers
Reviewed in the May 1997 issue.
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