THE EXPANSE OF HEAVEN; 



A Series of Essays on the Wonders of the Firmament. 

 By R. A. PROCTOR, B. A. 

 I vol., i2mo. Cloth Price, $2.00. 



" It is Mr. Proctor's good fortune that not only is he one of the great- 

 est of living astronomers, but that he has a power of imparting knowl- 

 edge that is not equaled by any living astronomer. His style is as 

 lucid as the light with which he deals so largely, and the plainest of 

 readers can go along with him with entire ease, and comprehend all 

 that he says on the grandest subject ever discussed by mortal intelli- 

 gence. Most scientific writers either cannot or will not so use the pen 

 as to make themselves understood by the many; not so with Mr. 

 Proctor : he both can and does so write as to command the attention of 

 the million, and this too without in the least derogating from the real 

 dignity of his sublime theme. Few of us can study astronomy, because 

 that implies a concentrated devotion to an inexhaustible matter, but 

 we all can read astronomical works to our great advantage if astrono- 

 mers who write will but write plainly; and in that way, without having 

 the slightest Claim to be spoken of as " scientists," we can acquire no 

 ordinary amount of knowledge concerning things that are of the loftiest 

 nature, and the effect of which must be to elevate the mind. Such a 

 book as 4 The Expanse of Heaven ' cannot fail to be of immense use 

 in forwarding the work of education even when it is read only for 

 amusement, so forcible is the impression it makes on the mind from 

 the importance of the subjects treated of, while the manner of treat- 

 ment is so good." — Boston Traveller. 



"Since the appearance of Ennis's book on * The Origin of the 

 Stars,' we have not read a more attractive work on astronomy than 

 this. It is learned enough to be instructive, and light enough to be 

 very entertaining." — Alta California. 



" It reads like a work of fiction, so smooth and consecutive is it; 

 but it inspires the worthiest thoughts and the highest aspirations." — 

 Boston Commonwealth. 



" Perfectly adapted to their purposes, namely, to awaken a love for 

 science, and at the same time to convey, in a pleasant manner, some 

 elementary facts." — Church Herald. 



"This is not a technically scientific work, but an expression of a 

 true scholar's conception of the vastness and grandeur of the heavens. 

 There is no dry detail, but blended with the scholar's discoveries are 

 the poet's thoughts, and a true recognition of the Almighty's power." 

 — Troy Times, 



D. APPLETON & CO., Publishers, 



549 & 551 Broadway, N. Y. 



