Doppelmayer, Johann Gabriel, and others.

Folio (530 x 340mm.), 36 double-page astronomical maps and plans, contemporary hand colour, all on their original stubs, a few contemporary annotations in French, contemporary flexible wallet binding of blind-stamped brown calf, inside of flap lined with patterned paper, "Atlas astronomique" embossed in gilt on front cover, occasional dampstaining (generally more visible on versos only), binding slightly rubbed, lower edge of flap a little worn at folds

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A superb composite celestial atlas, combining charts by Johann Gabriel Doppelmayer, Johann Tobias Mayer, and Georg Moritz Lovits, some of the best available at the time. Atlases in general were often assembled from the large stocks of the thriving Nuremberg map manufacturers and distributors at the customer's request. This is a fine example of a purely astronomical atlas from the officina Homann, supplemented by several charts by Seutter, and assembled and bound at the customer's specifications. The larger part of the engravings are by Doppelmayer, whose Atlas novus coelestis was published separately by the heirs of Homann in 1742. The remaining charts are a fine engraving by Seutter of terrestrial and celestial globes, followed by Homann's version of the same, Mayer's on the partial lunar eclipse of 1748, Lovits' on the solar eclipse of the same year, an unsigned cartographic chart incorporating diagrams of both the Copernican and Tychonic systems, Seutter's engraving of the comet of 1742, and a plate on recent developments in astronomy and geography by the same.

A full list of the contents is available online at www.sothebys.com or through the Book Department.