The Moon with a description of its Surface Formations. Fully Illustrated by the Author's revised Map of the Moon in 25 Sections together with numerous Drawings, Charts and Photographs

Bournemouth: Published and printed by the Author and by Pardy & Son, 1931. Quarter-Calf. Fine. Scarce first (and only) edition, reproducing in book form Goodacre's section maps of the moon's surface, with exhaustively detailed descriptions of features. Royal 8vo (244 x 175mm): [4],364pp, with 27 plates from Goodacre's map (two keys and 25 sections) and 12 further plates, including nine reproducing lunar photographs; plus 14 full- and 72 partial-page illustrations of Goodacre's sketches of the lunar surface. Original burgundy quarter-morocco over finely woven cloth sides, spine stamped in gilt. A superb copy, tightly bound and clean throughout. See "The Face of the Moon: Galileo to Apollo," an exhibition of rare books and maps, October 13, 1989 to February 28, 1990, at the Linda Hall Library. No entries located in RBH or ABPC. Goodacre was a British businessman and amateur astronomer, and the preeminent British selenographer of the early twentieth century. This privately published monograph of detailed descriptions of lunar features elaborated upon the lunar map of the entire near side of the Moon, measuring 77 inches across, that Goodacre issued in 25 sections in 1910. It was the first lunar map to employ rectangular coordinates and was based upon hundreds of photographs obtained from the Paris and Yerkes observatories. It also was the basis of the first detailed lunar contour map, constructed in 1934 by the German selenographer Helmut Ritter. Not least, Goodacre's map "gives a glimpse back into the days when astronomy was not done with computers, spectrometers and CCD chips, but with human eyes, pens, paper, and the occasional piece of photographic film." (University College London, faculty of Mathematical & Physical Sciences website) N. B. With few exceptions (always identified), we only stock books in exceptional condition, carefully preserved in archival, removable mylar sleeves. All orders are packaged with care and posted promptly. Satisfaction guaranteed. (Fine Editions Ltd is a member of the Independent Online Booksellers Association, and we subscribe to its codes of ethics.).