Details
Cométographie
Alexandre-Guy Pingré, 1783-1784
PINGRÉ, Alexandre-Guy (1711-1796). Cométographie ou Traité historique et théorique des comètes. Paris: L'Imprimerie Royale, 1783-1784.

First edition of Pingré's "monumental" work on comets.
Pingré was an astronomer and geographer, who in 1772 became librarian at Ste-Geneviève. He "put his immense classical knowledge to use ... especially in preparing his most important work, the two-volume Cométographie" (DSB). It earned a high reputation and, according to DSB, was recommended as a useful source book until the 1950s.

Two volumes, quarto (250 x 186mm). With 7 engraved plates of diagrams, woodcut decorations, letterpress comet tables (edge toning to titles, a scattered few spots/stains). Contemporary mottled calf, spines gilt (minor rubbing, upper hinge of vol. 1 tender).

Brought to you by

Christina Geiger
Christina Geiger Head of Department

More from Valuable Books in the History of Astronomy from the Collection of Jay M. Pasachoff

View All
View All