J. Brit. Astron. Assoc., 106, 5, 1996
Genesis Publications Ltd. (9 Pilgrim House, Quarry St., Guildford GU1 3XY), 1996. ISBN 0-904351-55-6 (hbk). Pp 229, £29.95.
reviewed by Martin Mobberley
If there were ever a single British amateur astronomer who could be described as a living legend, George Alcock is surely the one. To discover five comets, using binoculars, from this cloudy island, is achievement enough, but then to memorise 30,000 Milky Way stars (Brian Marsden's estimate) and discover five novae, is nothing short of superhuman! A full biography of this legend's life has been eagerly awaited by many and I, for one, certainly wondered what to expect from the book; which aspects of George's life would be covered and which would be left out?
I was not disappointed. The book is a comprehensive account of George Alcock's life from his birth in 1912 to the present year; it is well illustrated with fascinating photographs and sketches. George's early life, his relentless meteor watches of the 1930s and '40s, his wartime experiences and his forty years of comet and nova hunting are fully covered. In addition, his lifetime of teaching, professionally and voluntarily, is a central theme of the book. Was there ever a more popular school teacher in the country? I doubt it!
Although George will be best known for his astronomical work, Kay Williams has not let this totally dominate the book. Comet and nova hunting is only a small part of George's world. In fact, if one word could best describe the man it would be 'observer'. He avidly observes, records and sketches birds, flowers, churches and clouds (as well as comets and planets). Not so that he can boast his skills to others; he draws them for his own pleasure and to encourage others.
Examples of Alcock's superb drawings are spread throughout this excellent book. To say it is compulsive reading would be a gross understatement: I picked the review copy up as I was getting into bed one night and, two hours later, I was still reading it. I was tired when I picked the book up, but inspired when I finally put it down. The six page foreword by Brian Marsden makes compulsive reading on its own.
This is not a book which has been pruned to the minimum to satisfy some false-economy profit margin. Kay Williams has worked to exacting standards which George would fully appreciate: set yourself a goal and single-mindedly achieve it. The potential purchaser should not ask 'can I afford it' but 'where can I get it'. I have hundreds of astronomy books on my shelves but this is the one I will turn to for inspiration. This book should be on every amateur's bookshelf and with luck, it might inspire a few more amateurs to follow in George's footsteps and discover comets and novae under their own english heaven. I am already dusting off my binoculars.
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