"A Celestial Atlas Comprising a Systematic Display of the Heavens in a Series of Thirty Maps Illustrated by Scientific Descriptions of Their Contents...", Jamieson, Alexander

Jamieson's atlas includes 30 celestial maps based on the work of John Flamsteed's Atlas Coelestis and Johann Bode's Vorstellung der Gestirne. The maps consist of 26 constellation charts on a sinusoidal projection, two celestial hemispheres centered on the equatorial poles, a chart of the stars seen from Great Britain, and a plate showing the moon and planets. Nearly all of the constellations are based on Flamsteed and Bode, with the exception of three new constellations: Noctua the owl, which sat on the tip of Hydra's tail; Norma Nilotica, a rod held by Aquarius; and Solarium, a sundial. The atlas includes text describing the constellations, lists of the main stars, and exercises for students. Alexander Jamieson (1782-1850) was born in Scotland but spent the majority of his adulthood in and around London. He had a varied career and served as a schoolmaster, author of educational books, and an actuary.

Oblong Quarto: title page; dedication; preface; 64 pp.; 30 plates each with tissue guard; errata slip tipped in at rear. Hardbound in contemporary quarter green leather with tips over marbled paper boards with engraved title label on front cover.

References: Kanas (2nd Edition) #6.5.5.2.

Condition: B+

The plates are in very good condition with light soiling and foxing mostly confined to the edges of the sheets. Two of the plates have a bit of hand color. The text pages facing the plates are lightly toned with some offsetting. There is a printed bookplate from a previous owner (Joseph Dand from Camden Town) on the inside front cover. The covers have bumped corners, scratches, and abrasions. The spine has minor discoloration but is otherwise in very good condition.