PINGRÉ, Alexandre-Guy (1711-1796). Cométographie ou Traité historique et théorique des comètes. Paris: L'Imprimerie Royale, 1783-1784.

First edition of Pingré's "monumental" work on comets. Pingré was an astronomer and geographer, who in 1772 became librarian at Ste-Geneviève. He "put his immense classical knowledge to use ... especially in preparing his most important work, the two-volume Cométographie" (DSB). It earned a high reputation and, according to DSB, was recommended as a useful source book until the 1950s.

Two volumes, quarto (250 x 186mm). With 7 engraved plates of diagrams, woodcut decorations, letterpress comet tables (edge toning to titles, a scattered few spots/stains). Contemporary mottled calf, spines gilt (minor rubbing, upper hinge of vol. 1 tender).