Here, an amateur astronomer with professional standing, the Secretary of the British Astronomical Association, provides a pleasant, informal general discussion of solar astronomy designed expressly for the beginner with limited resources. The physical characteristics of the sun and its fiery atmosphere are presented briefly, illuminated by many fine line drawings and photographs by the author. He then offers the details of how he designed and constructed his own observatory, telescopes, solar spectroscope, and solar camera. He discusses many useful practices that will be valuable to the novice learning to observe and record what he sees.