This rare constellation chart is from John Bevis's Uranographia; or the Celestial Atlas. It was published between 1747 and 1786 in London by John Neale.

This engraving is from Bevis's "unpublished" star atlas. Bevis began production of the atlas in 1747 with the intent to produce a large atlas. He had found 5 subscribers, and sold 30 copies, but his publisher, John Neale, went bankrupt in 1750 where the plates were pulled. His executor, John Horsfall, received the plates upon Bevis's death in 1771. At Horsfall's death in 1785, his estate had 6 copies of the work with 51 star charts included. This along with some unnumbered amount of loose engravings entered the market in 1786. The charts were all produced in Bevis's lifetime by his hand, but the sale of his work was predominantly performed after his passing. It is believed about 21 complete sets were done. (Kilburn, Kevin; Jay M. Pasachoff; and Owen Gingerich, "The Forgotten Star Atlas: John Bevis's Uranographia Brittanica." In: Journal of the History of Astronomy 34 (2003), pp.125-144)

Bevis's work included 600 more stars than the last star atlas of Flamsteed. Bevis based his work upon Bayer's Uranometria. His work included more stars and accurate positions to that of Bayer's. He included nine Messier objects in his charts, five of which had never before been published.

John Bevis (1695-1771) was a British physician and amateur astronomer. He discovered the Crab Nebula and was one of two observers in Britain of Halley's Comet in 1759. HE created his own private observatory in North London in 1738. Bevis is believed to have passed from falling from his telescope.


Paper Size: ~ 16 1/4" by 13 1/2"


Paper Type or Special Features: Engraving

The work is in very good to excellent condition. There is some old paper repair at the top right margin. The paper is lightly toned, more prominent to the margins. There may be a few minor imperfections or faint fox marks to be expected with age. Please review the image carefully for condition and contact us with any questions.