Astronomy is the queen of sciences.
It represents one of the purest forms of exploration of the natural world. It is science for science's sake par excellence. It is glorious entertainment. Astronomy is practised by high civilisations-civilisations that see the quest to understand the nature and origin of life and the universe as an important cultural, intellectual and social activity. In this absorbing new book, Australia's eighteen leading astronomers speak about their scientific achievements and the major role which Australian astronomy has played in yielding new interpretations, discoveries and inventions of international significance.