On July 20th 1969, in one of the most iconic moments of the twentieth century, Neil Armstrong took his first steps on the moon. The distant object that had fascinated mankind for millennia suddenly got much closer. The Book of the Moon is an utterly original and absorbing account of all things lunar, a book that celebrates the physics that created the moon and the technology that took us there, as well as its magic and mystery. From Babylonian astronomers to the scientists who paved the way for the Renaissance, to the astronomers and astronauts of our time, Rick Stroud delves into the mythology and astrology that have inspired civilizations and cultures the world over, alongside the scientific and medicinal advances that have come from our lunar connection. Packed with original lists, intriguing statistics, and compelling images, this book will take you as close to the moon as you can get without actually standing on it.