Catalog Archive
Auction 190, Lot 39

"A Celestial Atlas Containing Maps of All the Constellations with Corresponding Black Maps of the Stars...",

Subject: Celestial Atlas

Period: 1840 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Black & White

Size:
15.8 x 12.7 inches
40.1 x 32.3 cm
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This teaching tool was created by J. Middleton to instruct British students on the stars and constellations. Included are five charts of the sky, oriented to winter, spring, summer and autumn, that show the visible stars and constellations, with each constellation named. A legend shows the order of magnitude for the stars. Facing each of these detailed charts is the same view of the sky with only the stars shown on a black background, in order for the student to locate the constellations on his own. The atlas includes a preface that is not attributed to any particular author. Published by Whittaker and Co. and Norwich, Jarrold and Sons. Oblong folio. Hardbound in brown cloth with gilt titling on spine.

References:

Condition: B+

The maps have light soiling, minor foxing, and a couple of small edge chips. Several of the star charts on black backgrounds have a few constellations lightly drawn in and partially erased. There are stamps on the title page and index page and a bookplate on the front cover from Nottingham Public Libraries; on the inside front pastedown the call number is written along with "withdrawn." The front free endpaper is torn where the original library card was removed. The covers are soiled and lightly worn with bumped corners; the spine has tears at top and bottom.

Estimate: $350 - $425

Sold for: $450

Closed on 11/16/2022

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