Two Lectures on Comets, read in the chapel of Harvard College in Cambridge, New-England, in April 1759. On occasion of the comet which appear'd in that month. With an appendix, concerning the revolutions of the comet, and of some others. Published by the general desire of the hearers.

Published by Boston Green & Russell also D. Henchman, 1759

  • First Edition
  • Softcover
  • Used
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Seller: Shapero Rare Books, London, United KingdomShapero Rare Books

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Softcover

Condition: Used

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Item description from seller

First edition; tall quarto (20 x 12 cm); contemporary ownership signature to the title and manuscript date to the first leaf of the contents, lacking the half title, some spotting to contents; recent red cloth, title to spine gilt, new endpapers, spine a little faded, front pastedown slightly abraded from bookplate removal, a very good copy; 44 pp and xviii pp appendix. First edition of this uncommon popular work by 'arguably the best scientist in colonial America' (Oxford Dictionary of National Biography). The 1758/59 appearance of Halley's comet was the first predicted by Edmund Halley, who discovered its periodicity, and it was therefore of great interest to both scientists and the general public. Author John Winthrop (1714-1779), a descendant of the founder of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, was elected Hollis professorship of mathematics and natural philosophy at Harvard aged only twenty-three. 'He explored the fields of astronomy, mathematics, and seismology with diligence and flair, publishing eleven articles in the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society. His achievements in astronomy, particularly in the study of comets and the relationship between sunspots and the sun's aurora, have been especially celebrated. Winthrop was also a dedicated teacher, explaining the work of other scientists and his own to students and the public at large through lectures, demonstrations, and a host of newspaper and magazine articles' (ODNB).

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Bibliographic details

Title
Two Lectures on Comets, read in the chapel of Harvard College in Cambridge, New-England, in April 1759. On occasion of the comet which appear'd in that month. With an appendix, concerning the revolutions of the comet, and of some others. Published by the general desire of the hearers.
Author
WINTHROP, John.
Publisher
Boston Green & Russell also D. Henchman
Publication year
1759
Binding
Soft cover
Edition
1st Edition

Shapero Rare Books

London, United Kingdom

5-star seller

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Shapero Rare Books is an internationally renowned dealer in antiquarian & rare books and works on paper. Our specialists have particular expertise in fine illustrated books from the 15th to the 20th century, travel & voyages, natural history, modern firsts, rare children’s books, guidebooks, Hebraica & Judaica, works of Russian interest, and Islamica. We have possibly the largest selection of Baedeker and other Travel Guides and our Print Gallery has an enormous selection covering every topic of Antique Prints including Maps and Photographs. Please visit us at http://www.shapero.com

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Shapero Rare Books

94 New Bond Street
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