Catalog Archive
Auction 138, Lot 57

"Atlas, Designed to Illustrate the Geography of the Heavens…", Burritt, Elijah H.

Subject: Celestial Atlas

Period: 1835 (published)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
14 x 16.3 inches
35.6 x 41.4 cm
Download High Resolution Image
(or just click on image to launch the Zoom viewer)

Complete celestial atlas with eight charts of the constellations. This popular star atlas was intended for the general public, rather than for professional astronomers. Only the brighter stars and nebulae, and their allegorical forms, are depicted on the charts. The stiff paper covers include a vignette of astronomers using a telescope. Charts include:

1) A Plan of the Solar System Exhibiting its Relative Magnitudes and Distances...
2) The Visible Heavens in January, February, and March.
3) The Visible Heavens in October, November, and December.
4) The Visible Heavens in April, May, and June.
5) The Visible Heavens in July, August, and September.
6) Southern Circumpolar Map for each Month in the Year.
7) Northern Circumpolar Map for each Month in the Year.
8) A Celestial Planisphere, or Map of the Heavens.

References:

Condition: C+

This atlas is nearly always found in poor condition. The spine is missing and the covers are stained and torn. The maps are still bound with the original string. The "Plan of the Solar System" has a 2" clean tear from the right. There is scattered soiling and foxing throughout, with condition ranging from good to satisfactory.

Estimate: $275 - $350

Sold for: $200

Closed on 12/7/2011

Archived