Cellarius Atlas (Harmonia Macrocosmica of 1660) (Hardcover)

~ Robert Van Gent (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Stargazing: History's most beautiful constellation maps in XXL-format!

This collection of celestial atlases by Dutch-German mathematician and cosmographer Andreas Cellarius (c. 1596 – 1665) brings back to life a masterpiece from the Golden Age of celestial cartography. First published in 1660 in Harmonia Macrocosmica, the complete 29 double-folio maps and dozens of unusual details reproduced here depict the world systems of Claudius Ptolemy, Nicolas Copernicus, and Tycho Brahe, the motions of the sun, the moon, and the planets, and the delineation of the constellations in various views. Cellarius's atlas, superbly embellished with richly decorated borders depicting cherubs, astronomers, and astronomical instruments, features some of the most spectacular illustration in the history of astronomy.

This reprint, made from the beautifully hand-colored and complete copy of the first edition in the Library of the Universiteit van Amsterdam, includes a copiously illustrated introduction by Robert van Gent, one of the leading Cellarius experts, summarizing the history of celestial cartography from antiquity to late 17th/early 18th century and illuminating the life and work of Andreas Cellarius. Van Gent also discusses the historical and cultural context and significance of the atlas and provides detailed descriptions of the astronomical and iconographical content of the plates, allowing modern readers to fully appreciate the masterwork of Andreas Cellarius and his publisher, Johannes Janssonius.

The book’s detailed appendix includes a list of constellation figures with short descriptions of their origin and mythology, a list of star names found on the plates, a glossary of technical words, and a bibliography.

From the Publisher

Though these beautiful maps have become famous by being depicted on postcards, calendars, portfolios, and even mouse pads, they have rarely been reproduced in book form and never with such comprehensive descriptions and details as this TASCHEN edition. Cellarius’s exquisite renditions of the constellations will excite the astronomer in anyone.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Taschen; Mul edition (September 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 3822852902
• ISBN-13: 978-3822852903
• Product Dimensions: 23.7 x 14 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #313,210 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gorgeous!!!, December 14, 2006

By	W. Creswell "Crackdog" (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Taschen never seems to disapoint and this latest issue in their series of oversized classic texts is no exception. The Harmonia Macrocosmia is a lavish oversized book of 17th century celstial maps that are reproduced with stunning clarity and brilliance. This volume should appeal easily to anyone with an interest in astronomy, art or fine books.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply lovely, June 21, 2007

By	John A. Blackwell "johnb" (New Hampshire) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

There are many of us who just can't afford the time and money to get many Cellarius pieces for the home. This is the solution in a lovely, well printed and compiled edition of the book, from start to finish. It is large (slightly larger than the original). It would be perfect on a library table or similar. If you are interested illminated manuscripts, astronomy history, mythology, early scientific understanding of the heavens... then this is of great interest to you.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book to have!, January 15, 2007

By	Jorge A. Gonzalez "jagart" (Baltimore, Md.) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

A great source book, with beautiful illustrations of cosmos seeing thought the ayes of the 15 Century Artists.