Messier's Nebulae and Star Clusters (Practical Astronomy Handbooks)
"...a treasure trove of detail about the Messier Objects....I highly recommend Kenneth Glyn Jones' Messier's Nebulae and Star Clusters.  It is a modern 'bible' for all those who wish to take an informed and leisurely tour of Messier's starry harvest!"   José Olivarez, The Strolling Astronomer"...of all the books devoted to the Messier objects, this is by far the most extensive....what sets this book apart from the others devoted to the Messier catalog is the amount of historical information.  Messier's Nebulae and Star Clusters is chock-full of background information that make this book indispensable as a reference....While I recommend the book, new observers may be put off by the size and amount of information included witthin.  But they shouldn't be.  Everything is written in an easy-to-understand, non-technical style. Furthermore, the book will be of interest to more advanced observers since it contains historical information not found in a single source."   Mark J. Coco, Deep Sky"Whether the observatory or the armchair is your preferred locale for astronomical contemplation, this book gets three stars ('worth the trip')."   Owen Gingerich, Sky and Telescope"...very well written and is up to the usual high standards of Cambridge University Press."   Robert A. Seal, American Reference Books Annual"Although the book is primarily addressed to amateur astronomers, professional astronomers will find the work useful for the historical introductions to the individual objects."  R. H. Van Gent, Space Science Reviews"...a very thorough and fascinating treatment of both the man and his catalog....Any observer who has marveled at the wonders contained within the Messier list will be fascinated to read the story behind it and the man behind the "M"!"  Gordon Bond, The Practical Observer