James Ferguson F:R:S

Published by Printed for Robert Stewart, No. 15 Millman street, Bedford Row, London, 1776

  • Art / Print / Poster
  • Used
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Seller: Donald A. Heald Rare Books (ABAA), New York, NY, U.S.A.Donald A. Heald Rare Books (ABAA)

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AbeBooks seller since May 9, 1998

Association member: ABAAILAB

Condition: Used

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Item description from seller

Mezzotint. State ii/ii, with engraved inscription. In excellent condition with the exception of being trimmed on the plate mark. Image slightly rubbed in places. Image size: 13 x 10 inches. A rich impression of this outstanding portrait of James Ferguson, the astronomer whose writings made the complex world of scientific theory available to the general public. James Ferguson was one of the popularisers of science, and a talented inventor and astronomer. Born in Scotland to a shepherd in 1710, Ferguson left Scotland for London in 1743. He worked in several different professions before being able to dedicate himself to scientific study; he was a shepherd, a milliner, a farmer, and a portrait painter. During the twenty-six years that Ferguson worked drawing portraits, he religiously followed his scientific studies and inventions. In 1748, he was able to dedicate himself to a career as writer and lecturer, and at these he was wildly successful. The key to this success lay in his clarity; he brought complex theories to the layman in understandable writing and impassioned lectures. Following his aim, Ferguson invented remarkable machines and didactic mechanisms with which to demonstrate basic Newtonian principles. His most admired work, entitled 'Astronomy explained on Sir Isaac Newton's Principles' was so much in demand that it remained in print for over fifty-five years. Ferguson was one of the first writers to bring astronomy to a public thirsty for knowledge, his passion inspired generations of amateur scientists and his inventions helped people conceptualize astronomical motion. For example, his orrery of 1750 demonstrated the path of the Earth around the Sun, and the Moon around the Earth, showing both the elliptical path of the Moon and how the Earth's axial rotation creates the seasons. In Townsend's distinguished portrait, Ferguson is shown holding a celestial globe, the tool of his trade and a symbol of his academic accomplishments. (DNB) Chaloner Smith, British Mezzotinto Portraits 5 state not described; Russell, English Mezzotint Portraits, and their States iii/iii O'Donoghue, Catalogue of Engraved British Portraits. in the British Museum 2, Lennox-Boyd & Stogdon state ii/iii. …

Seller Inventory # 4816

Bibliographic details

Title
James Ferguson F:R:S
Author
STEWART, Robert after John TOWNSEND
Publisher
Printed for Robert Stewart, No. 15 Millman street, Bedford Row, London
Publication year
1776
Seller catalogs
Portraits

Donald A. Heald Rare Books (ABAA)

New York, NY, U.S.A.

5-star seller

AbeBooks seller since May 9, 1998

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Store description

Donald A. Heald Rare Books offers the finest examples of antiquarian books and prints in the areas of Botany, Ornithology, Natural History, Americana & Canadiana, Native Americans, Voyages & Travels, Maps & Atlases, Photography and more. Founded in England in 1972, we have formed and contributed to important private and institutional collections. Items of note which we have placed include a unique copy of Abbot’s "Natural History of the Rarer Lepidopterous Insects of Georgia" with plates on vellum, an extremely rare extra-illustrated large paper Spanish edition of Blaeu’s "Atlas Mayor," Curtis's "North American Indian," a copy of the Federalist Papers in boards, the first separate printing of the Bill of Rights, and a large paper issue of Redouté's "Les Roses" with the plates in two states. We are renowned for our extensive print inventory which is unsurpassed in quality. Our Sporting collection recently incorporated the complete print stock of Ackermann & Son of London, established in 1783. We are members of the Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America, where Mr. Heald has served on the Board of Governors as Treasurer, Security Chairperson, and as Chairman of the New York International Antiquarian Book Fair. We are members of the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers, and the American Historical Print Collectors Society. Mr. Heald is a member of the Grolier Club, and the American Antiquarian Society.…

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Fine Bindings, Maps and Atlases, Voyages and Travels, Americana, Natural History, Illustrated Books, Historical and Decorative Prints, Colour-plate Books

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  • International League of Antiquarian Booksellers
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Seller's business information

Donald A. Heald Rare Books (ABAA)

NY, U.S.A.