Only Christopher Dewdney could mine the darkest pools of lore, legend, natural history, science, cultural history and the arts to recast the seemingly commonplace aspects of an ordinary night into a magical and exhilarating nocturnal tour. Using an original hour-by-hour structure that follows night’s progression from 6:00 pm to 6:00 am, Dewdney explores and celebrates a single representative night at each point on the clock. 6:00 pm: The setting sun begins Dewdney’s search to discover the perfect sunset. 10:00 pm: The evening rhythms of the city hit their stride, from the cop on the night beat to the backbeat of the clubs. Midnight: The hour of romance and magic. 3:00 am: Dewdney is wide awake at a sleep clinic. 5:00 am: “The desperate hour,” we enter a provocative cultural investigation of the “art of darkness.” For all those who’ve been wondering what they’ve been missing while they sleep, Acquainted with the Night is an illuminating exploration and a terrific gift book.