Celestial chart from Atlas Coelestis
John Flamsteed (1646-1719)
Published by Joseph Crosthwait and Abraham Sharp; engraved by Sir James Thornhill (1675-1734)
London, 1729
Handcolored engraving
WOP-81

Flamsteed's Atlas Coelestis is probably the most important celestial atlas of the 18th century. Featuring engravings by Sir James Thornhill, it was published after his death by his assistant Joseph Crosthwait and his friend Abraham Sharp. The unique projection used here was developed by Flamsteed to produce a less distorted appearance.