Notes
An autobiography.

Also published as Patrick Moore: The Autobiography (The History Press, 2005).

Publisher’s Blurb – Jacket Flaps
80 Not Out
The Autobiography of Patrick Moore

Throughout his distinguished career, Patrick Moore has, without a doubt, done more to raise the profile of astronomy among the British public than any other figure in the scientific world.

As the presenter of 'The Sky at Night' on BBC television for over 45 years he was honoured with an OBE in 1968 and a CBE in 1988. In 2001 he was knighted 'for services to the popularisation of science and to broadcasting'.

The BBC first aired the programme in April 1957 and it is now in the record books as the world's longest-running TV series with the same presenter. Patrick Moore has also written over 60 books on astronomy, all of which, including his autobiography have been written on his 1908 typewriter.

Patrick's early research was concentrated on mapping the moon. In 1959 the Russians used his charts to correlate the first Lunik 3 pictures of the far side of the satellite and he was also involved in the lunar mapping carried out prior to the NASA Apollo missions.

Partly thanks to his larger-than-life personality, Sir Patrick's own fame extends far beyond astronomical circles. A self-taught musician and talented composer, he has displayed his xylophone-playing skills at the Royal Variety Performance and as a passionate supporter of cricket, has played for the Lord's Taveners charity cricket team.

Patrick was born on 4 March 1923 in Pinner, Middlesex. At the age of six months he and his parents moved to Sussex where he has lived ever since. During WWII he was a navigator in the RAF and for a short time in the 1960s he lived in Northern Ireland. Between the ages of six and sixteen Patrick was ill, on and off, and so was mostly educated at home. During this time he picked up his mother's copy of 'The Story of the Solar System' which sparked his lifelong passion for astronomy. His output of writing spans over 60 books and he also writes plays, operas and orchestral music.

Over his illustrious life, Patrick has received a whole host of prestigious accolades. In 2001 Patrick received a knighthood from the Queen, won a BAFTA for his services to television and became a member of the celebrated Royal Society. Astronomy remains his first love and his enthusiasm for the subject shows no signs of dwindling as he enters his 81st year.