Catalog Archive
Auction 192, Lot 58

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

Subject: Celestial, Atlases

Period: 1856 (published)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
14.3 x 16.5 inches
36.3 x 41.9 cm
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This edition of Burritt's popular celestial atlas was revised by Hiram Mattison and published by Mason Brothers. Complete as issued with nine maps. 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 Galileo demonstrating his system. Charts include:

1) A Plan of the Solar System Exhibiting its Relative Magnitudes and Distances... (double-page).
2) The Constellations - January, February, and March.
3) The Constellations - October, November, and December.
4) The Constellations - April, May, and June.
5) The Constellations - July, August, and September.
6) The Constellations for each Month in the Year (Southern Hemisphere)
7) The Constellations for each Month in the Year (Northern Hemisphere).
8) Double Stars and Clusters (uncolored).
9) Clusters, Nebulae, and Comets (uncolored).

References:

Condition: C+

The majority of the maps are in good condition with light foxing and light to sometimes moderate staining (B). The double-page map at the beginning is severed down the centerfold with heavy staining (C). Wrappers are detached, and the front wrapper is heavily stained and chipped.

Estimate: $350 - $425

Sold for: $220

Closed on 4/26/2023

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