$10,000
Hevelius, Johannes (1611-1687) Prodromus Astronomiae and Firmamentum Sobiescianum . Danzig: Stollius, 1690. First edition, folio, two parts in one volume; part one with half-title, typographical title page mounted, repairing a closed tear; two double-page presentation plates, each mounted on a guard; small tear at the inner margin of the second plate, minor discoloration along the top blank margin due to incorrect folding; full-paged engraved portrait of the author, one engraved text illustration and many typographical tables; part two with large engraved vignette on verso of last text leaf, one full-paged engraving, and fifty-four double-paged engravings of constellations, all mounted on guards; the double-page plate depicting Andromeda [Figure V] in facsimile, on thicker paper stock consistent with the endleaves in this later binding of 18th century German sheepskin and speckled paper boards, leather at joints cracking; occasional spotting, limited discoloration along the top edge that varies in intensity, some leaves toned, spotted, marginal tears. Hevelius catalogs 1,564 stars in this celestial atlas, the most exhaustive, accurate, and important of its kind when published. Each star listed under its parent constellation and organized by stellar magnitude. He maps the heavens from the outside looking in, using latitude, longitude, right ascension, and declination as the tools of orientation.
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2013-06-01