Ronald Reagan, the Emperor Caligula, Claudius, Ptolemy, St Augustine, Queen Elizabeth

I and Heinrich Himmler - what have they in common? An interest in astrology. Readers of today's astrological newspaper and magazine columns may be unaware of the significant part astrology has played in international politics, philosophy, the history of religion, and the lives of ordinary people. In this, the first modern survey, the authors trace the history of astrology from 2000 BC up to the present day - from astrological records scratched on bone by cavemen, to the modern alliance of astrology and psychology. It would be difficult to write a dull book on the subject: history is crammed with fascinating and amusing incidents, bizarre, stimulating, crazy, brilliant characters - from the astrologer who practically ruled the Roman Empire to the one who hid behind the bed curtains to spy on the birth of a Dauphin, and the modern astrologer who successfully predicted the assassination attempt on Hitler, and died on his way to a death camp. Yet these are only the decorations for this thoroughly-researched and comprehensive history of a serious subject: probably the oldest science known to man, with an incalculable influence on his history. Derek and Julia Parker are the perfect combination as authors of this book. Julia Parker is a practising astrologer, past President of the British Faculty of Astrological Studies. Derek Parker is a sceptic. He says that most of the practice of astrology is a mystery to him. But he believes there is sufficient evidence to feel that it would be foolish to dismiss the subject out of hand. As a result this is a uniquely balanced book. It does nor seek to prove or disprove anything only to give a vivid but accurate account of the fascinating history of astrology