Piers Bizony's "How to Build Your Own Spaceship" is an engaging summary of all topics related to modern manned space exploration. In this compact paperback, Bizony manages to cram history, politics, financing, societal impact, and (not to be forgotten) rocket science in a seamlessly woven, point-to-point narrative. The reading level of the book is suitable for the high schooler interested in science to experts in the field.The highlight of the book is its engaging, flowing writing style. Bizony links concepts together with ease as is exampled by a discussion on the development of the Space Shuttle as a winged vehicle, which transitioned into the reasons that SS1 flies in a 'shuttle-cock' configuration. Roughly equal time is given to past accomplishments as well as future prospects. The book is also a veritable crash-course in the upcoming private space industry.The only conceivable downside to "How to Build Your Own Spaceship" is its lack of depth; however, as an overview of the field, the book is superb. More depth can be provided through topic-specific texts.This book is an easy read and a real treat that should be part of every space explorer's library.