Following are some of the essential sources and references about astrolabes and their history. Most of them include an extensive bibliography that will point to many other sources. Many informative articles in the scholarly press are not listed but are noted in the bibliographies. Journals that often have astrolabe articles are History of Astronomy , Annals of Science and Isis . Of particular interest to students of Islamic science are the works of Dr. David A King.
Specific citations are welcome.
If you know of a good reference, please send me a note for inclusion. This article is the most easily available general reference on astrolabes. It includes a brief history, an overview of the projection used in astrolabe design and some pictures of classical instruments. It is highly recommended as a good, brief, general introduction. John North is one of the most distinguished scholars of medieval astronomy active today and all of his publications are highly recommended.