The section on accommodations is weak, but then so are the accommodations, and readers are not expected to go to Mars, but to look at it through telescopes or in photographs. Hartmann, a scientist and writer currently with the US Mars Global Surveyor Mission, explains what the known features of the planet can reveal about its long transition from an earth-like place to its present condition. Color illustrations abound. Annotation (c)2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com) Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

Adult/High School-A perfect choice for students who are interested in Mars or space exploration. Following an opening chapter discussing what humans have believed and have come to verify about the red planet, the author discusses the three major eras of its 4.5 billion year history. He describes various regions, offering a geological tour of the craters, volcanoes, and the face of Mars, making it easy for readers to "visit," much as any travel book would. Interspersed throughout are boxed inserts highlighting weather, hazards, financial considerations, geology, etc. Also appearing periodically are sections called "My Martian Chronicles" in which the astronomer describes his own work and experiences in his quest to learn more about this unusual planet. His writing style will make teens want to keep reading. Hundreds of outstanding photographs and digital images clarify concepts and sharpen subtle landscapes. Many are close-ups reproduced from the work of landing craft; most are in color. If you can have only one title about Mars, this is the one to buy.-Claudia Moore, W. T. Woodson High School, Fairfax, VACopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information

Science writer, artist, and Mars Geological Survey member Hartmann (the major modern theorist covered in Dana Mackenzie's moon-origins book, The Big Splat [BKL Ap 15 03]) has near-perfectly qualified for this splendid overview of the Red Planet. He covers the history of astronomical observation of all the planets and, drawing on both U.S and Russian sources, reviews the ups and downs of space probes as of 2002. Thereafter, he offers comprehensive guidance to Martian topography, geography, geology, and history, in the process recounting the array of hypotheses about virtually every aspect of that history, much of which is still hotly disputed. A dazzling array of photographs, some in full color, accompanies the text; particularly outstanding are a Hubble shot of the whole planet and pictorial coverage of Martian features ranging from Olympus Mons to a gigantic field of sand dunes. Interest in Mars, making its closest-ever approach to earth this year, should be peaking. Libraries should expect to circulate this distinguished and beautiful book rather briskly. RolandGreen. From: Syndetics Solutions, Inc. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.