I've spent the past couple of days pouring over a new book I received from Amazon.  It is called Illustrated Guide to Astronomical Wonders by Robert Bruce Thompson & Barbara Fritchman Thompson, published by Make:Books.  The book is geared toward beginning to intermediate backyard astronomers interested in deep space observing, and in my opinion it hits the nail right on the head.  The first 64 pages are dedicated to introducing basic equipment, accessories, resources, definitions, and descriptions of the various classes of objects.  While it does not go into the detail that Terence Dickenson does in Nightwatch, the Thompsons cover the basics in a very clear, straightforward way that does not come across as condescending.  That was refreshing.  The balance of the 520 page book is devoted to charting all of the objects in the Messier cataloge, the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC) Finest NGC Objects list (110 objects), the Astronomical League's Binocular Messier list and Deep Sky list, the Astronomical League's Urban Observing list, and the Astronomical League's Double Star list.  In all there are nearly 400 objects charted constellation by constellation.  Each of the 50 constellations containing objects from these lists is given it's own chapter, and each object is described and charted.  The charts show suggested star hops with circles showing 5dg finder scope fields-of-view to make the hops simple.  Each object is also accompnied by a black-and-white photograph showing the object  similar to the way it would look through mid-aperture scope.  No long exposure photgraphs.  As an owner of a 10" newtonian who has seen a number of the objects listed, I can vouch for the accuracy of the photography.

In their introduction the Thompsons portray the book as a field guide, but it is traditionally bound and will not lie flat like field charts.  There is a good amount of white space on most pages, however so it will be easy to jot notes if you so desire.

I wish This book had been around when I first started in the hobby.  It would have been a great help.  I see myself getting a lot of use out of it, in the field, as well as as a planning tool prior to an observing session.  In the pantheon of resources for novice to intermediate backyard observers I'd rank Illustrated Guide to Astronomical Wonders just behind Nightwatch and just ahead of Turn Left at Orion (and I am a big fan of Turn Left.).

nice review!

that sounds like a book i might want to pick up for myself.  the 'realistic' images you described are long overdue in a book/guide as complete as this one sounds.

I also forgot to mention that the book is on sale at Amazon for less than $20.00 .

Sounds like a very nice book Terry, thanks for the recommendation, and the well written review. This sounds like a book I'll need to add to my astronomy library.