The New Patterns in the Sky: Myths and Legends of the Stars

by Julius D.W. Staal

Book Overview

This is a modern classic in the literature of sky lore -- a comprehensive collection of myths, legends, and historical notes about each of the 88 constellations and the sun, moon, Milky Way, and... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0939923041
• ISBN13: 9780939923045
• Release Date: January 1988
• Publisher: McDonald and Woodward Publishing Company
• Length: 300 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.0" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Star Lore World-Wide

Thanx for stating that we only see Greek astronomical star lore,etc. IMHO, I think we only see that due to the fact of politics & trade w/ 'em. That is, political correctness & $. As Stephen King says in his books: SSDD. No wonder we are given spins/bs about particular countries peoples tha are great, but little or not any news about others. Unless, it is negative. I wonder why? ;) -LOTF.

A nice starting point

Those looking for a good reference to start learning about star stories and legends will find a good tool in this book. What I liked more was the different cultures kept in mind while narrating a story. Often, we see that only Greek Mythology is considered; this book keeps an eye to the other corners of the ancient world. Perfect for those involved in astronomical education and public outreach

includes star lore from around the world

Staal's death in 1986 resulted in this book being published posthumously. His original 1961 book was focused on constellations visible from London, but he was revising it to provide more complete coverage of all 88 official constellations and to include bits of the star lore he collected from all parts of the world. The book is divided into five major chapters, four for the seasons of the year and one to cover the constellations near the celestial poles. Each chapter is then subdivided into individual constellation sections. Stall included plenty of descriptive text as well as sketches of the individual asterisms being described. The appendices include a few star maps that show the relation of each constellation and asterism to the rest of the sky. Although he does reference specific stars by their scientific names, the focus of the book is oriented towards providing the reader with information about the myths and legends associated with each constellation. Anyone interested in getting a good overview of star lore from the various cultures around the world will appreciate this book. Don Childrey, author of "STAR TRAILS - Navajo, A Different Way To Look At The Night Sky"

Legends of the night --

The human race that has always been captivated by the sky, stars, suns, moons, asteroids, meteors, comets, and the infinite distance of space. So are the creatures we share this world with. Wolves howl at night and stalk their prey whether they are the giant Russian ones or those of the werewolf population. Witches brew their strongest potions, and cult worshipers gather in the darkness to perform their deeds away from light. The vampire rises and rules the night.Certain qualities are associated with astrological signs. Predictions and karmic charts are based on the date, location, and time of birth. The Chinese Year of the Rat or Snake or Dragon brings vivid pictures to mind. The associations may not be right at all, yet most people can tell you their birth sign. I am a Gemini, the butterfly of Zodiac, first of the air signs, ruled by the mercurial Mercury and daughter of the Moon. Does that mean anything other than I found a comfortable way to add a quick and casual description of me? Even in astrology, a birth chart is more defined by the rising moon or retrograde of a planet. This easy to read book addresses the lore associated with 88 constellations, shooting stars, the Milky Way, and the true ruler of our solar system -- the sun. In Star Trek, we go boldly where no one has been before, Star Wars takes us beyond any dimension we experience here, the Alien trilogy, War of the Worlds, Red Planet, etc. all reveal aspects of a strange new life that is both enchanting and horrific.One night the sun was setting. I held my little companion up so that she could look east and then west in the open desert. As the sky grew darker and stars popped out in the east, she also saw the sky painted gold, pink, purple, and orange to the west. Her voice was filled with wonderment as she said, "Oh wow!"Now, I can teach her more about the stars, and show her The New Patterns in the Sky. Add this to your library and discover the magic of night, and, perhaps, a few more creatures.Victoria Tarrani

Very interesting and informational

The book provides a good background on the myths relating to the constellations. Especially interesting is the coverage of the Chinese astronomy. However, I kept wishing there was just a little bit more information...