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Uranographia

Lot 54
05.02.2026 10:00UTC +00:00
Classic
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CHRISTIE'S
AuctioneerCHRISTIE'S
Event locationUnited Kingdom, London
Buyer Premiumsee on Website%
ID 1540302
Lot 54 | Uranographia
Estimate value
$ 8 000 – 12 000
BODE, Johann Elert (1747-1826). Uranographia, sive astrorum descriptio. Berlin: by the author, 1801.

Splendid copy of the “grandest star atlas ever produced” and the “last great atlas of its kind” (Linda Hall and Warner respectively). Bode’s beautiful production set a new benchmark in the field, and proved itself a true successor to the great atlases of Bayer, Hevelius and Flamsteed. Bode played an important role in the development of astronomy in Germany, becoming Royal Astronomer and a member of the Berlin Academy. He gave the name Uranus to Herschel's newly discovered planet.

In Bode’s atlas, “we find new constellation figures for the old constellations, some entirely new constellations, new stars, and, most overwhelmingly, every one of the 2000 odd nebulae discovered by William Herschel in the preceding twenty years. Bode never discarded a constellation. Practically every one proposed since Hevelius is included here, as well as five brand new ones, of which the Montgolfier balloon, Globus aerostatitus is one of the most splendid” (Linda Hall). After Bode, it became impractical to include in a single volume all of the known celestial features, and the use of traditional constellation figures in star atlases intended for practical astronomical fell by the wayside. This copy in fine condition. Linda Hall, “Out of this World,” no. 36; Warner 7.

Folio (635 x 453mm). Double-page engraved title; letterpress preface and index leaves; 20 double-page engraved celestial maps, all mounted on stubs (pl.3 with a small marginal crease). Original half roan over speckled boards, spine gilt-stamped and -lettered (rubbed, corners worn and some flaking/wear to spine). Custom half calf clamshell box.
Place of origin:Germany
Auction house category:Printed books
Address of auction CHRISTIE'S
8 King Street, St. James's
SW1Y 6QT London
United Kingdom
Preview
22.01.2026 – 05.02.2026
Phone +44 (0)20 7839 9060
Email
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