Poetry of the sky and stars. Marcus Manilius, who lived during the time of Augustus and Tiberius, is the author of the oldest known work on astrology. Astronomica, a Latin didactic poem in five books, begins with a reference to celestial phenomena and then examines the zodiac and the twelve temples. It is followed by instructions for calculating the degree of the horoscope and details on chronocrators, decans, harmful degrees, zodiacal geography, paranatellonta, and other technical issues. Apart from his skill in depicting mathematical tables and diagrams in verse form, the poet writes passionately about his Stoic beliefs and demonstrates wit and humor in describing characters born under specific stars. Perhaps influenced by Virgil in the Georgics, Manilius neglects the proportions of his last book to narrate the story of Perseus and Andromeda at considerable length. Despite its undeniable elegance, Astronomica is a difficult work, and this edition provides, in addition to the first English prose translation, a complete guide to the poem, with extensive explanatory notes and illustrated diagrams.