Ad Astra: An Illustrated Guide to Leaving the Planet

A superbly written book, overflowing with wit and insight into humanity's journey into space. I've been fascinated about space since my parents took me to Jodrell Bank in July 1969 to watch live transmissions of man landing on the moon. There are stories in this book I'd never heard of, amazing facts and brilliant photographs. The book is formatted in short sections, ideal for reading on the train or on the launchpad. Dallas has conducted painstaking research, listened to the people that made things happen, found the forgotten heroes, described the tragedies, the risks and the triumphs. The book is a joy to read with a sense of immediacy and engagement that makes the adventure sparkle. Even if you only have a casual interest in the subject this is an engaging and captivating read. If like me, you think mankind's future is ultimately off-world, you'll love this fine work that describes the history and the future of space travel.

A cornucopia for the lover of that mysterious space out there.Jam packed with cool artwork,photos, intriguing stories and awesome facts such as why there is the” palm-sized solid aluminium stylised figure of an astronaut “ that lies in lunar soil next to a “plaque bearing the names of fourteen men who had lost their lives in the pursuit of space travel.”Always one for a good book and not a fan of reading from a screen ,as I like to get my hands around something solid ,this was perfect for me.Being the perfect size to pop in my bag when I’m on the go it’s great to delve into it wherever and whenever enabling reading different parts as and when.It is a truly fascinating, witty, respectful and accessible read.A great gift for anyone.Highly recommended.

A beautiful book full of interesting stories and facts about space travel, space history, and being in space. It's perfect to dip into and find an interesting page to read. I would recommend this for anyone who is interested in space, or who likes great historical stories. The pictures in Ad Astra are really one of the best parts of it too. There are some retro-futuristic gems amongst them. There's also songs, recipes,spacesuits on washing lines, astronauts, physics... and it's the perfect size to carry around with you, so you can get a space fix where ever you are. It's varied, and detailed, and is lovely to read. I will be buying more for Christmas presents!But first I'm just going to see if I can round up a flock of lunar geese to start my own space travel adventure.

This book is just *beautiful*. There is such attention to detail, and Dallas has crammed his book with so much information, anecdote and sheer enthusiasm that his love of the subject matter leaps off the page. The collection of pictures alone is just wonderful and puts a smile on my face every time I flick through the book again. Even if you're not fascinated by space already, you will be by the end of this, as well as being armed with essential information about taking your pets into space with you along with those all important visa requirements. I've also been inspired to attempt making space chocolates in time for Christmas! What's not to love?A great gift for anyone who wonders. I'll certainly be looking up at the stars with a an extra twinkle in my eye from now on.

I can't put this book down. For a start it is a thing of great beauty to look at - the care that has been taken to find not just appropriate but *perfect* images to illustrate this is awe-inspiring. But when you start to read it, you're instantly drawn in to the tales of those who have taken the dream that most of us have had at some point or another - to leave this planet and look back at it from the stars - and turned it in to their life's mission. Dallas' passion for this topic leaps from every page, and draws us along with it. I will be buying this as a Christmas present for everyone I know.

This book is really good. As a teenager in the seventies I was fascinated by space and spent my pocket-money on books about it. Ad Astra collates all the information that drew my attention both then and still. It is written in an accessible way but with an extraordinary amount of explanation and comment, and some humour, which considers the advances in space from before the first space flight up the the present. The author's abiding interest and fondness for his subject shines through. I bought the book for myself last year and have since bought further copies for my teenage Godsons.

It is sooo good. If you are a space nerd - or if you are looking for a gift for a space nerd - as a space nerd myself I guarantee you will love it. I have loads of books on space flight, space exploration etc etc, nothing quite like this book. Love the facts and factoids, the interesting things "behind the scenes" of the space exploration, pictures, quotes, details. Hoping for a second volume, "Encyclopedia Galactica" size or smth :)

I wouldn't say that I am an avid space buff, but I found this book riveting and hard to put down. Informative, beautifully photographed and lucidly written with a dry humour that had me chuckling out loud.My only regret is that there is not a larger page version (e.g. A4). This would show off some of the photographs and graphics even better, and allow even more space for Dallas' writing.Science/tech writing at its best....

Very interesting book but cover is lose cover but paper quality is very good

Bien documenté, Style sympa à lire, palette de sujets variés

This is both playful and informative - a great book to dip into periodically. Note: I am quoted in it, so there is some bias here.