I’ve been picking up mid-century science books at garage sales for no other reason than curiosity about changing approaches to science…and the pretty pictures. Well, I finally got the scanner going, so I plan to post some of my favorite illustrations.
Its hard not to love The Question and Answer Book of Space. For one thing, while it was obviously written for the kids of 1965 — this is the 1970 edition — it really doesn’t talk down to them. Instead its written in plain, confident English. No math, no orbital mechanics, but straight answers to your pervasive space questions. Except the poop thing, for that you’d need to wait another 45 years for Mary Roach to publish on the topic.
Just look at the hangdog astronaut on the cover. Its no Chesley Bonestell, but it really ain’t bad.
Little Buzz hated getting picked last for stickball, a fate that weighed heavily upon him on the way back to base.
More to come.