Ilya Ilyich Oblomov is a member of Russia`s dying aristocracy a man so lazy that he has given up his job in the Civil Service, neglected his books, insulted his friends & found himself in debt. Too apathetic to do anything about his problems, he lives in a grubby, crumbling apartment, waited on by Zakhar, his equally idle servant. Terrified by the bustle & activity necessary to participate in the real world, Oblomov manages to avoid work, postpone change & finally risks losing the love of his life. Written with sympathetic humour & compassion, Oblomov made Goncharov famous throughout Russia on its publication in 1859, as readers saw in this story of a man whose defining characteristic is indolence, the portrait of an entire class in decline. ...

The Observer's Year is likely to become a classic for years to come. It will not date & will appeal to amateur astronomers almost regardless of their experience. There are 365 nights in every year (366 in a leap year!) & from the amateur astronomer's point of view, no two are alike. That is why Patrick Moore has written this unique book to highlight special objects of interest on every night of the year. He talks about the history of the constellations, double stars, nebulae, the moon, planets, even the asteroids. Beginning January 1st, he works through the year night by night... ...

How can you find new minor planets, comets & novae? How can you use photoelectric detectors to derive the temperatures of stars? & how can you predict future eclipses & occultations of stars by minor planets? The questions asked by serious amateur astronomers are answered in this authoritative & wide-ranging guide. For each topic, sound practical methods of observation & the scientific background are given to lead you to better observations. Guidelines also show you how to record & catalogue your observations using the recognised professional terminology & classification schemes. From the simplest pencil drawings of the moon to observations of the most distant galaxies with state-of-the-art CCD cameras & photoelectric photometers, this guide is packed with practical tips for all types of amateur observations. It will develop the observational skills of the keen novice & satisfy the more demanding needs of the experienced amateur astronomer. ...

The Observer`s Guide to Astronomy (Vol.2) is a guide to practical astronomy for all types of observer, from the novice to the experienced amateur. This volume covers aurorae, meteors, double & variable stars, deep sky phenomenon, & more advanced practical techniques such as the use of plate comparators, astrometry, spectroscopy, photometry, etc. Previously published in France in 1987 as Astronomie, le Guide de l` Observateur. ...

When can you see fireballs & who should you contact if you spot one? When is it best to hunt for comets & meteors & whereabouts? How do you gauge the size of the coma in the head of a comet & estimate its degree of condensation? Clear & easy to use, this guide shows you how to make successful & valuable observations & records of comets, asteroids, meteors & the zodiacal light. For each topic the historical background & current scientific understanding support a wealth of observational techniques. Comet observers are shown techniques for search & discovery. They can learn how to make visual estimates of brightness & size, & how to make photographic studies of cometary heads & tails. Asteroid hunters will find a 'life list' of quarry & guidelines on how to search for these objects & then how to photograph or electronically image them. Fruitful photographic & electronic methods for studying meteors & meteor showers are provided. Visual & photographic techniques show you how to examine the often elusive zodiacal light. ...

Variable star astronomy is one field that still allows amateur astronomers to make significant contributions to the advancement of science. Everyone can play a part in variable star observations, using a small telescope, binoculars, or even the naked eye. Written by an award-winning astronomer, Observing Variable Stars provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of variable star observation for the amateur. The book begins with advice on binoculars & telescopes, & on how & when to observe stars effectively. Levy then explains the ways in which to interpret variation in light output in terms of the life of a star, from birth to sometimes violent death. All the major variables are described & classified, as well as other variable objects such as active galaxies, asteroids, comets, & the sun. The book also illustrates how astrophysicists interpret variations in light output in terms of the evolution of stars. Observing Variable Stars contains a seasonal guide to the night sky usable in all latitudes. Throughout, practical observations serve to complement the text, making this an enjoyable, readable introduction to an exciting area of astronomy. ...

More & more people are taking to two wheels, whether for their commutes, for competition or simply for enjoyment. But there is far more to the world of bicycles & bicycle snobs than meets the eye. Which type of bike, for instance would one ride in the velodrome? Which will marry vintage charm with modern performance? & which will carry you across a country comfortably? Obsessions: Bicycles provides an authoritative directory of the different styles of bicycle, the components that make them work, & the world of accessories & clothing that will adorn you. A chapter on riding geometry is included so that you may fit your bike to your body & not the other way round, & a generous list of some of the mainstays in modern bicycle manufacturing will point you in the right direction for a new machine. ...

Refreshingly witty & readable guide to the world`s most famous wine region. Every producer in the world with ambitions to make great red wine still looks to Bordeaux for inspiration & the region is brought to life by Oz with his evocative descriptions & personal anecdotes, accompanied by stunning photographs & maps. Oz turns his spotlight on each of the famous Bordeaux wine areas (including St-Emilion, Pomerol, Margaux & Pauillac). He also recommends hundreds of affordable modern Bordeaux wines for drinking today. Returning to his wine roots, Oz shows how, whatever crises may be affecting the French wine industry in general & the lower end of the market in particular, Bordeaux, is on the whole, in optimistic mode. However much we now appreciate wine from all over the world, there is still nothing quite as magical as the best bottles from the best producers in this historic wine region. ` There is no better introduction to the world`s most dazzling wine region.` Decanter `A well-planned, well-executed, approachable book packed with information & illustrations.` The Sunday Times ...

Topographic mapping from Mexico’s national survey agency, Instituto Nacional de Estadística, Geografía e Informática. The maps have contours at 20m intervals with relief shading & indicate various types of terrain & vegetation, e.g. dense vegetation, cultivated areas, swamps, sand dunes, salt pans, etc. UTM grid is at 10km intervals, with latitude & longitude shown by margin ticks at intervals of 5`. Map legend is in Spanish only. To see the other titles in this series please click on the series link. ...

London, more than any other city, has a secret history concealed from view. Behind the official façade promoted by the heritage industry lies a city of esoteric traditions, obscure institutions, & forgotten locations. Occult London rediscovers this history, unearthing the hidden city that lies beneath our own. From the Elizabethan magic of Dr Dee & Simon Forman to the occult designs of Wren & Hawksmoor; from the Victorian London of Spring-Heeled Jack to the fin de siecle heyday of Madame Blavatsky & Aleister Crowley. This book describes these practitioners of the occult & their unorthodox beliefs, alongside the myths & legends through which the city has always been perceived. The role of the occult within London`s literary history is also outlined, while a gazetteer maps the sites of London`s most resonant occult locations. Today we are experiencing a renewal of interest in the occult tradition, & Merlin Coverley examines the roots of this revival, exploring the rise of New Age philosophies & the emergence of psychogeography in shaping a new vision of the city. ...