BAILLY Histoire de l’astronomie ancienne. Seconde édition. – Histoire de l’astronomie moderne depuis la fondation de l’école d’Alexandrie jusqu’à l’époque de M.D.CC.XXX. Nouvelle édition.

Ferguson, I, 22-23.

Highly important edition of texts on astronomy.

The first volume contains notably the "Liste des manuscrits orientaux concernant l'astronomie, qui se trouvent dans quelques-unes des principales bibliothèques de l'Europe".

"Having moved to his father's house in Chaillot; Bailly (1736-1793) turned his attention to literary pursuits. These were given direction by his scientific activity as shown in the four-volume history of astronomy that he published between 1775 and 1782. These tomes represent his most lasting achievement and were responsible for additional honors. In 1783 he was elected to the Académie Française, and two years later he was named to the Académie des Inscriptions et Belles Lettres. This made him a triple academician, the only Frenchman besides Bernard de Fontenelle to achieve his distinction" (D.S.B.).

Fine copy, nicely bound.