Catalog Archive
Auction 154, Lot 39

"Atlas, Designed to Illustrate the Geography of the Heavens, Comprising the Following Maps or Plates...", Burritt, Elijah H.

Subject: Celestial

Period: 1835 (published)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
14 x 16.3 inches
35.6 x 41.4 cm
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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: B+

This atlas is nearly always found in poor condition, however in this example all but one of the charts are in B+ condition. The charts are in original color and are generally clean and bright with minor soiling, toning along the edges of the sheet, and some printer's ink residue. The chart of January - March has a printer's crease. The only exception is the first chart, which is in satisfactory condition (C+) with moderate offsetting and soiling with damp stains at right and left. The two center bifolia are loose, and the covers are heavily toned, soiled, and worn.

Estimate: $400 - $500

Sold for: $300

Closed on 9/16/2015

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