"[Lot of 2] Atlas, Designed to Illustrate the Geography of the Heavens… [and] The Geography of the Heavens, and Class Book of Astronomy…", Burritt, Elijah H.

This complete set includes Burritt's celestial atlas and his Class Book of Astronomy which was meant to accompany the atlas. 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 (14 x 17") include a vignette of astronomers using a telescope. The atlas, dated 1835, includes 8 charts of the constellations:

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.

Burritt's The Geography of the Heavens, and Class Book of Astronomy explores astronomy, the constellations, and the solar system, and features an introduction by Reverend Thomas Dick, an astronomer and philosopher who combined science and Christianity. This edition was published in 1860, and was "greatly enlarged, revised and illustrated" by H. Mattison. The book features numerous figures and tables in black & white. Quarter black leather with raised bands and gilt titling on spine, brown buckram covers, 345 pp.

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Condition:

This atlas is nearly always found in poor condition, although this is one of the better examples we've seen. The plates have separated from the covers and have offsetting, light scattered foxing, and spots of soiling. The covers are soiled and chipped with some damp stains, and the spine is perished. (B)<br> The book is in very good condition with occasional light foxing and a few small stains. The covers are lightly soiled, the spine is chipped and partially detached at top, and the binding is slightly loose. (B+)