HELL, Maximilian (1720-1792). Ephemerides Astronomicae Anni 1769 [-1770] ad Meriadanum Vindobonensem. [Bound with:] Observatio transitus veneris ante discum solis. Vienna: J.T. Nob, de Trattnern, 1769-1770. – HELL, Maximilian (1720-1792) and TREISNECKER, Franz von Paula. Ephemerides Astronomicae Anni 1783. Ad Meridianum Vindobonensem. Vienna: J.T. Nob, de Trattnern, 1782.

Including the first edition of Hell's valuable report on the transit of Venus in 1769. These Viennese ephemerides were published annually for 50 years, and Maximilian Hell (or Höll) was the editor or co-editor from the beginning in 1756 through 1792. Hell began his scientific career as the founding director of the astronomical observatory of the University of Vienna. His main task "was the computation and publication of an annual astronomical ephemerides similar to the Connaissance des temps, the only such publication then in existence ... [and] of vital importance" (DSB). They often included separate papers by Hell and others as appendices, of which this report on the transit of Venus is among the most important. The issue for 1783 was the first one co-edited by Treisnecker. Sold as a periodical, not subject to return. Honzeau and Lancaster 15552.

Together, four works in two volumes. First volume: three works in bound in one, octavo (199 x 122mm). Woodcut decorations and illustrations, engraved calendar plates, three engraved folding plates including a map of the Moon by Philipp Jacob Gütl (pale browning, prelims a little chipped at edges, some splitting to folds of engravings). Contemporary vellum over boards, edges stained blue, manuscript titling to spine (endpapers well-chipped). Provenance: Richard H. Allen, 1838-1908 (bookplate) – Martin C. Gutzwiller, physicist, 1925-2014 (bookplate). Second volume: Octavo (202 x 118mm). With 8 engraved eclipse tables for the satellites of Jupiter cut to size and pasted onto blanks (only?); folding engraved plate of the Moon (page 105 and the woodcut illustration on it are covered over in early paper.Near contemporary calf gilt, all edges gilt (minor crack to spine, upper joint cracked). Provenance: Erich von Beckerath, 1891-1981 (bookplate).