Complete compendium on the physics and applications of telescope optics, underlying the original and oldest of astronomical instruments. Thoroughly scholarly work that provides both the historical perspective and the state-of-the-art technology, such as the 4-lens corrector of Delabre and the LADS corrector. Newly updated edition brings this authoritative work completely up to date.. From the reviews "... an unequalled reference for those who have interest in the field ... a unique reference in a superb presentation." ESO Messenger

R.N. Wilson's two-volume treatise on reflecting telescope optics has become a classic in its own right. It is intended to give a complete treatment of the subject, addressing the professional in research and industry as well as students of astronomy and amateur astronomers. This first volume, Basic Design Theory and its Historical Development, is devoted to the theory of reflecting telescope optics and systematically recounts the historical progress. The author's approach is morphological, with strong emphasis on the historical development. The book is richly illustrated including spot-diagrams analysing special systems in modern form. In this second edition, the historical section has been revised. Various improvements to the text have been made and new systems such as the 4-lens corrector of Delabre and the LADS corrector are now covered in this volume. The concluding part II treats Manufacture, Testing, Alignment, Modern Techniques.

This volume is concerned essentially with the modern developments in reflecting telescope optics. In the last twenty years, modern technology has revolutionized not only manufacturing and test procedures but also the whole area of quality specification with the introduction of active control into the functioning telescope. Other subjects covered here are alignment of telescope optics, atmospheric optics, including adaptive optics, reflecting coatings and ancillary equipment (adapters and baffles). Although an independent work, Vol. II is heavily cross-referenced with Vol. I. It is richly illustrated and gives, together with Vol. I, the most complete list of references available; it can also therefore be regarded as a source book.