Many are able to point out the north star, or pole star, as everybody should be able to do.

All this forms a good beginning, and may serve as the basis for the rapid acquirement of a general knowledge of the geography of the heavens.
If you are fortunate enough to number an astronomer among your acquaintance--an amateur will do as well as a professor--you may, with his aid, make a short cut to a knowledge of the stars.

Otherwise you must depend upon books and charts.

My Astronomy with an Opera-Glass was prepared for this very purpose.

For simply learning the constellations and the chief stars you need no opera-glass or other instrument.