Every generation has looked towards the heavens and wondered at the beauty of the Moon; 50 years ago, a few Americans became the first to do the reverse—and shared with Earth-bound audiences the view of their own planet hanging in the sky instead. In this far-ranging meditation, Oliver Morton explores how the ways we have looked at the Moon have shaped our perceptions of the Earth: from the controversies of early astronomers like van Eyck and Galileo, to the Cold War space race. Looking ahead, Morton speculates on the potential use of the Moon as a stepping stone for further space exploration.

"Compelling…. [Morton] has a gift for synthesizing science, technology and culture."—Washington Post