The Only Book about Messier that you need
There have been many books written on observing the Messier Objects, but this second edition is far and away the best of the bunch. Glyn Jones provides copious background material on the early observers of the deep-sky before and during Messier's time and each one of the 110 Messier Objects is thoroughly treated and analyzed with historical descriptions, observing hints for today and background material on the nature of each one of the objects. There is also much in the way of biographical material presented about Messier and his assistant Mechain. This volume can be consulted again and again by the dedicated amateur astronomer who explores the heavens and each time he will learn something new. A thoroughly enjoyable book and a remarkable achievement.