Postcards Reliefs - Illustrated Astronomy

These twelve remarkably precise diagrams are taken from a handbook of astronomy in 54 lessons, written and illustrated by Asa Smith, and published in 1848 by the New York publishers Cady & Burgess. The book aims to “present all the fundamental principles of physical astronomy in as few words as possible, but with visual demonstrations, in the form of diagrams and charts, that will make the subject easily understandable.” Numerous reprints made it arguably the most popular illustrated astronomy book of the 19th century in the United States. It owes this success to the scientific accuracy and aesthetic power of its engravings set against a black background—the color of the night sky—as well as to its educational effectiveness.