Watch the stars and from them learn. To the Master's honor all must turn, Each in its track, without a sound, Forever tracing Newton's ground

— Albert Einstein

Advice on buying your first telescope

Hobby Killers

For some good advice on how to buy your first telescope, or if you need some guidance on buying one as a gift, check out this article from Sky & Telescope magazine:

Hobby Killers: What Telescopes Not to Buy