See if your library system has a copy of "Norton's Star Atlas & Telescopic Handbook". If it has, take a look and decide for yourself. Norton's is a good choice for the very first atlas as it's more than just a collection of star charts. It's worth the price just for the wealth of information, charts, abbreviations, explanation, symbols etc.. It is also an excellent guide as to the use and care of your scope. Each of the 16 individual star charts also has a very good list of interesting objects that are well suited to the small scope observer.

Norton's was first published in 1910 and has been reprinted and updated many times. My own copy (15th Ed., 1964)has been in almost continuous use since I got it. I also use the SkyAtlas 2000 by Will Tirion & Roger Sinnott but I think Norton's is the better first atlas.

Jarvis Krumbein,