The Story of the Heavens
London: Cassell and Co., 1889. Octavo. Item #023171
frontispiece, 551pp., Illustrated in color and in black and white. In 1874 the position of Royal Astronomer of Ireland and Professor of Astronomy in Trinity College Dublin became vacant. Ball applied and was appointed Royal Astronomer of Ireland and to the Andrews Chair of Astronomy of Trinity College Dublin after successfully submitting a seven-page printed application for these positions. This position he held for 18 years. Later, after the Lowndean Professor of Astronomy and Geometry at Cambridge died, Ball applied for the position and was chosen. This was considered the highest scientific chair in England, if not in Europe. He published several books on the heavens. A very nice copy bound in 3/4 red morocco over marbled paper covered boards with matching endpapers and all edges in matching marble, raised bands gilt, lettered and decorated in gilt, small chip to head occasional spots of foxing, no names or book plates.
Price: $225.00