Flamsteed, John

Folio (545 x 355mm.), engraved portrait and 27 double-page plates, plate 14 on 2 sheets and folding, MANUSCRIPT ANNOTATIONS including observations and annotations on the star charts, and index of stars and notes on pastedowns, contemporary half calf, without list of subscribers, faint offsetting or browning, binding worn

Inscribed on title "J. Goodricke, 1784, - H. Goodricke his brother, 1801" (i.e. Sir Henry Goodricke, 6th Bt.)

cf. Warner pp. 80-82; Hoskin, Michael. "Goodricke, Pigott and the quest for variable stars" (JHA, x (1979): 23-41

the condition of this lot is as described in the catalogue description
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

JOHN GOODRICKE'S COPY OF THE MOST IMPORTANT STAR ATLAS OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY, which Goodricke appears to have used in 1784 during his observations of the constellations of Lyra, Capricorn and Aquarius, and his discovery of the variable luminosity of the star Beta Lyrae.
John Goodricke FRS (1764-1786), who lived in York, was noted for his observations of variable stars, notably Algol (Beta Persei), for which he was awarded the Copley Medal by the Royal Society in 1783. At the end of this copy there are a few manuscript notes on the paste-down recording observations of various stars on November 1st (no year), including Algol. In the spring of 1784, Goodricke 'spent some weeks in London "in order to improve himself in the different branches of astronomy", and he was kindly received by Maskelyne. As an observer he had an uneventful year until August, when he compared the constellations of Lyra, Capricorn and Aquarius with their representations in Flamsteed's Atlas' (Hoskin). Goodricke made notes throughout September, and there is an observation dated "12 Sept. 1784" on the constellation of Lyra in this copy. 'In a paper dated 10 January 1785 and read to the Royal Society on the 27th, Goodricke shows an excellent understanding of the light cycle ... and promises a further and more exact account, which he did not live to complete' (Hoskins).

This posthumous work was completed by Flamsteed's widow, with the help of his two assistants James Hodgson and Joseph Crosthwait.