Atticus Rare Books

Bibliographie Générale de l'Astronomie, jusqu’en 1880. [General Bibliography of Astronomy to the Year 1880. 1964 new edition with Introduction by D. W. Dewhirst. Preface by A. Beer. Two volumes in three parts]

Houzeau, J.C. ; Lancaster, A.

London: Holland Press, 1964. 1st Edition. COMPLETE SET, two volumes in three parts, OF “THE FUNDAMENTAL BIBLIOGRAPHICAL BASIS OF ASTRONOMY” (Cambridge University Observatories). Houzeau and Lancaster’s General Bibliography of Astronomy to the Year 1880 is a prodigious compilation of all astronomical publications and manuscripts from Antiquity to 1880 and is widely “recognized as the primary bibliographical source for the history of astronomy” (Introduction).

Originally published between 1880 and 1889, this 1964 Holland Press edition “reproduces the entire bibliographical content of the original edition, plus the 310 page Introduction to the History of Astronomy (which are both in French), and vastly increases its usefulness by providing an author index together with new editorial material, all of which is added in English, including an introduction explaining the arrangement of the bibliography and a list of errata.

“In all Houzeau & Lancaster describe in Volume I some 15,880 printed works and manuscripts, with the contents of Volume II on periodicals and journals and publications of academic societies bringing the total to an astonishing 42,500 works. Their bibliography is indispensable not just for astronomy but also for the important and substantial section on astrology” (ibid).

The contents of this complete set, issued as 2 volumes bound in 3 books, are as follows : Volume I : Editorial Introduction; Content and Arrangement of the Entries; Explanation of the Abbreviations; Introduction: The history of Astronomy; Summary of Contents of the Introduction; Bibliography, Part 1 Section I Historical Works. Nos. 1-3596 Section II Astrology. Nos. 3597-5915; Bibliography, Part 2 Section III Biographies and Correspondence. Nos. 5916-7885 Section IV Educational and General Works. Nos. 7886-9617 Section V Spherical Astronomy. Nos. 9618-11780 Section VI Theoretical Astronomy. Nos. 11781-15880; Analytical Table of the Bibliography; Guide to the Manuscripts; Index of Authors of Printed Works; Errata in Volume I.

Volume II : Editorial Introduction; Analytical Table of Contents; Alphabetical Table of Contents; Introduction (to both Volumes I and II); Analysis of the Publications of Learned Societies, etc.; Key to the Abbreviations; A. Publications of Learned Societies; Collected Works; B. Periodicals and Journals; Bibliography, Sections I to IX; (Supplement); Index to Authors; Additions and Corrections to the Author Index; Errata in Volume II. Item #1038

CONDITION & DETAILS: Holland Press: London. Complete set, two volumes in three parts. 4to. [1] xxiv, vii, 858 + vii, [1], 858- 1727 + lxxxix, [2] 2225 pp. A handsome set, solidly and tightly bound. Gilt-lettered at the spine, clean navy and blue cloth. Dust jackets included, worn and protected with mylar. Bright and very clean throughout. Very good condition. Extra postage will apply.

Price: $200.00