National Geographic Picture Atlas of Our Universe by Roy A. Gallant (1986, Book, Illustrated)

I had this book when I was a child and it made such an impression on me that I wanted it for my son. The illustrations in this book are absolutely breathtaking. They are all in color and appear on every page. As a child reading this book I did not even realize how educational it actually was. It is written so well and infuses myths, legends and folklore into the actual facts about our solar system that it makes you want to keep reading and learning more.
The book starts with a 4000 year old Egyptian myth about the Sun god Ra and the Egyptian story of Creation. Then into the ways different Roman and Greek Scholars interpreted this myth from the ancient world.
The Sun is represented by Apollo the Sun God who brings life-giving heat and light to Earth. As patron god of musicians and poets, he carries a lyre. His symbol is a circle with a dot in the middle which represents the egg of creation. Each planet is also represented by a god or goddess and includes facts about orbit, atmosphere, size, core materials and so much more.
There are 284 pages of very interesting information in this book and it also includes a glossary which definitely comes in handy. This book is approx. 11 x 11 inches and would make a great coffee table book and has come in handy for several school projects. My 5th grade son loves to read it and use the illustrations for inspiration for his own artwork. I highly recommend this book if not for you than as a gift to someone who enjoys looking up at the stars and wondering what is out there!