Astronomy is a device based pursuit. As with any other equipment based activity, there is always a long list of manufacturers offering an amazing array of devices promising spectacular results at often astronomical prices. Think $5000 golf clubs that promise to turn you into Tiger Woods.
Arc Fortnights Compendium of Astronomical Devices is an illustrated satire of such manufacturers and the gullibility of their customers. Using the Steampunk style to illustrate the high technology devices provides a visual contrast that adds another layer to the absurd nature of these devices.
The book is presented in 2 sections, the Compendium of Devices and Great Moments in Science History. The second section also uses steampunk illustrations to highlight notable events of dubious notoriety.
Events such as “The Beagle has landed”, a recounting of the real lunar landing in 1869 by Jules Verne and Charles Darwin in their riveted brass and copper spaceship.
To keep the wider (non-astronomer) readers in on the jokes, most devices are linked to a glossary of terms where the intricate detail of the device or process is explained in plain non-technical English, hopefully making this book educational as well as fun.