Smith's Illustrated Astronomy Lunar Plates and Text, 1851.
There are six pages (pp. 33 to 38) including three wood engraving plates and three textual, from the Smith's Illustrated Astronomy, which was by far the most popular guide to astronomy that was available back in the 19th century. Featuring copious illustrations, this guide was used by both schools and the general public. The work was published for use by schools in the United States but they were popular outside of the classroom as well and as such, they went through many editions.

They were written by Asa Smith, the Principal of Public School No. 12, located at 17th Street and Eighth Avenue in New York City, the primary was: "to present all distinguishing principles in physical Astronomy with as few words as possible; but with such ocular demonstrations, by way of diagrams and maps, as shall make the subject easily understood."

These particular wood engraving plates are typical of the visual elements found in most of this work. Prints created by Smith are largely characterized by graphic blocks of white against black, linear elements and repeating geometric forms, such as circles and ovals that represent orbits.

Because of the many illustrations, plates such as these are often removed from the work and sold separately as in the case of ZFC3459.

Provenance: Acquired by private purchase in 2010 from Dumont Maps & Books of the West, 314 McKenzie St., Santa Fe, NM, 87501.

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