This book investigates the formation, characteristics, and exploration of the planets in our solar system. Written by Bruce C. Murray, a renowned planetary scientist and former director of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, it draws upon the scientific knowledge and discoveries available up to the early 1980s. The work aims to provide a comprehensive overview of each planet, detailing their physical properties, atmospheric conditions, and geological features.

This book is regarded as a solid, albeit dated, overview of planetary science from the pre-Voyager 2 era for the outer planets. It reflects the scientific understanding and exploration capabilities of the early 1980s, offering a valuable historical perspective on the study of our solar system. While newer discoveries have since expanded our knowledge, Murray's work provides a foundational understanding of the planets as they were understood at the time of its publication.