1801 Bode Celestial Chart or Star Map of Ursa Major Constellation (Big Dipper) (elephant folio)

Bode, J. E., Uranographia sive Astrorum Descriptio, (Berlin) 1801.     Bode's Uranographia sive Astrorum Descriptio is the largest and most elaborately produced celestial atlas of its period and possibly the greatest ever issued. The Uranographia follows in the tradition of Helvius, Flamstead, and Bayer, in which constellations are represented pictorially. However, in size and scope, Bode's work far outstrips his successors and may fairly be considered "the most extensive and last great atlas of its kind" (Warner). Bode's work, however, was no mere copy of that of his predecessors. The majestic size and scope of the Bode Uranographia is a natural response to his role as a serious scientist and his intention to update the traditional celestial atlas with the most up to date astronomical discoveries. Divided into 20 plates, the atlas catalogues 17,240 stars, all of which are illustrated according to their magnitude. He noted double stars, star clusters, nebulae, including the most recent discoveries by European astronomical luminaries like Lacaille, Lalande, Messier, and Herschel. More than 100 constellations are identified, even those that never caught on and may seem quite strange to use today. As such, it is the first reasonably complete atlas depiction of the starts visible to the unaided eye. The work was issued in Berlin, Germany in 1801. There is only one edition, but there were several printings. The Uranographia was immediately recognized as a masterpiece and while issued in black and white, many examples exhibit spectacular original color, with gold foiling or even gold dusting, courtesy of enthusiastic early owner. Today all examples of Bode's work are extremely rare.