Martin Beech is emeritus professor of astronomy at the University of Regina (Saskatchewan, Canada). Prior to retirement, he spent 25 years teaching astronomy and astrophysics courses at the University and conducted research projects on small solar system bodies (comets, asteroids, meteors and meteorites). He has published over 200 research papers and twelve previous books on astronomy.

• I​ntroduction.- An introduction to Denning and an outline of the monograph. Prologue: The End.- a short prologue account of a trip that I undertook to Bristol in the hopes of finding Denning's grave site. 1. A Man of Parts.- the biographical details of Denning's life and times. 2. In Quest of Meteors.- a detailed look at Denning's contributions to meteor astronomy. 3. Ever Watchful.- a detailed look at Denning's many contributions to astronomy in general, and specifically planetary observations and comet searching. 4. Meteor Astronomy in Britain (1800-1930).- a discussion and account of the beginnings of meteor astronomy in England, providing brief biographical accounts of the key players. 5. The Astronomical Register.- a study of the first journal dedicated to amateur astronomers. This chapter will analyse the rise and development of amateur astronomy in mid-19th century England. It will address issues of the readers locations, their interests and the astronomical equipment that they were using. 6. The Observing Astronomical Society.- a study of the first British amateur astronomy society, detailing its origins and the observational programs that it initiated. 7. Epilogue.- a final few words. Appendix 1: Meteor Showers.- this appendix will introduce the reader to the key technical terms, and provide a present-day review of the physical properties of meteoroid streams and meteor physics. Notes and References.

“The book is well printed and illustrated, using a plethora of Denning publications and a smaller amount of archival material. It is always clear and engaging … . Beech gives us a detailed study of his astronomical work, with a great deal of fascinating contextual detail … . Concerning as it does one of history’s greatest visual observers, I am sure that this reasonably priced biography will be found to be interesting and absorbing for many readers.” (Richard McKiM, The Observatory, Vol. 144 (1301), August, 2024)