Color photos and diagrams fill this overview of Venus, which describes its surface, how it was formed, its climate, Venus myths, and the history of Venus research. Also includes a glossary and further-reading list.

Where is Venus? -- First view -- Getting closer -- Through the clouds -- Lava land -- Plains and craters -- What's inside Venus? -- How Venus formed -- Unidentical twins -- A day on Venus -- Atmosphere and climate -- How did Venus get so hot? -- Myths and legends -- Venus before space probes -- Early probes -- Mapping from space -- Lessons from Venus -- Could humans live there? -- Greening Venus.