Comment As an astrophys graduate (Score 1) 276
I have to confess that sometimes the gentlest intoductions were the best. The most expensive book on my reading list was Astronomy: The Evolving Universe, by Zeilik. I still love reading it to this day. Yes, maybe too many pictures for those that like the heavy stuff. If you really want to understand the basic principles - introduced in an absolutely clear manner - you won't get better.