1771 Choir Gaur; the Grand Orrery of the Ancient Druids, Commonly Called Stonehenge, on Salisbury Plain

Description

First Edition, Folding Plates, Illustrated, Leather Binding, Scarce

The scarce first edition of this work.

Illustrated with three copper engraved folding plates.

Collated, complete.

ESTC citation number T98431.

'Choir Gaur' is one of the earliest astronomical analysis of Stonehenge, looking into the ancient structure's history and historical use.A fascinating work on the important prehistoric monument on the Salisbury Plains, one of the most famous landmarks of Britain.

The work comprises abstracts taken from many historic accounts of the stones, followed by Smith's own analysis of the stones in present day (1771). There is also an explanation of the use of Stonehenge as a 'Tropical Temple'. The abstracts have been taken from the accounts of Jeffrey of Monmouth, Inigo Jones, Dr Charlton (Physician to King Charles), Camden's Brittannia, Dr Stukeley, Mr Wood (an architect at Bath) and a manuscript collected by Hearne and printed in Peter Langtoft’s chronicle. 

By Doctor John Smith, a prominent antiquary and Gaelic scholar.

Bookplate of Robert Cotton Trefusis Esquire to the front paste down.