Jérôme de Lalande - Abrégé d’astronomie – Première édition - 1774

Complete set of the 16 folded astronomical plates, numbered I–XVI. First edition, Paris 1774.

First edition of the Abrégé d’astronomie by Joseph Jérôme Lefrançois de Lalande (1732–1807), one of the leading French astronomers of the 18th century.
Paris, Chez la Veuve Desaint, 1774.
Important astronomical manual conceived by Lalande as a synthesis of the more extensive treatise Astronomy. In the preface the author explains that he intended to make accessible to students and amateurs the fundamentals, methods, and the most recent acquisitions of astronomy of his time.

The work is structured in twelve books and covers, among other topics:
- the celestial sphere and constellations;
- Copernican and Tycho Brahe cosmological systems;
- motions and orbits of the planets;
- theory of the Moon;
- solar and lunar eclipses;
- astronomical refraction;
- fixed stars and their movements;
- shape of the Earth;
- satellites of Jupiter and Saturn;
- comets;
- rotation of the planets;
- gravity and planetary attraction.
Of particular interest is the iconographic apparatus, composed of 16 folded plates, printed out of text, numbered I–XVI and all present.
The plates illustrate numerous astronomical diagrams, planetary systems, celestial spheres and scientific instruments, including a large armillary sphere, a quarter circle astronomical, and several representations relating to orbits, eclipses and planetary movements.
Particularly suggestive is the large plate dedicated to the passage of the penumbra of the Moon onto the Earth's surface during the Solar Eclipse of 1 April 1764.
The engravings bear the signature of De la Gardette.

Collation:
XXXVI, 507 pp. + 16 folded engraved plates out of text, numbered I–XVI. Complete copy.
Condition
Overall very good internal condition. Sturdy paper, clear impression and margins well preserved. Slight and sporadic foxing, foxing spots or signs of use compatible with age.
The 16 folded plates are all present and in overall good condition, with normal original folds and slight signs of time.
Contemporary half-calf binding, decorative and still intact in its overall structure, but with evident signs of use: abrasions to the boards, worn corners, cracks and small losses to the spine, wear to the humeral edges and joints. The spine retains most of the original gilding and the label with the title.
Original marbled flyleaves.

Inside the volume is also preserved a modern manuscript note relating to the history of planetary discoveries and to a previous, unverified attribution of provenance.