John Flamsteed Celestial Atlas Original Astrological Prints 1776 Star Map 66

Planetary Star Map for the Alignments of the Main Stars
10 inches by 8 3/4 inches
FLA66 $235

These beautiful hand colored copper engravings are from the 1776 edition of the celestial atlas of Flamsteed, updated by J. Fortin in 1776. Flamsteed was born into a prosperous family & was largely self taught as he did not attend University due to poor health. His extensive studies in astronomy resulted in his being appointed the first Astronomer Royal by King Charles II, with the Royal Observatory at Greenwich being built for him to continue his observations of the heavens.

Flamsteed was the first astronomer to sight Uranus in 1690, naming it 34 Tauri, as he believed it to be a star. He accurately calculated the solar eclipses of 1666 and 1668. In 1677 he was elected a fellow of the Royal Society & was a peer of such illustrious scientists as Newton, Moore and Halley, with whom his relations were contentious. His Celestial Atlas was published ten years posthumously by his wife. It set the standard in professional astronomy for almost a century, with the positions of over 3,000 stars given more accurately than ever before.

This superbly decorative work was re-worked by Fortin in 1776. The prints are ORIGINAL copper engravings that have been beautifully hand colored by a professional colorists.  The condition of the plates is excellent, with the paper being a strong, watermarked chain lined type in a soft white. There are no fox marks or other blemishes. A copy of the title page will be provided.