Celestial Atlas

Since the time of the ancient Egyptians and Babylonians, the observation, study and representation of the night sky has been a challenge for humans, who have always found themselves both astonished at the sight of the vault of the sky illuminated by the stars, and eager to gain scientific knowledge and understanding of what they are observing.

This volume, with splendid illustrations of the most famous, rare and impressive star atlases ever realised from the 16th century to the 19th century, will lead you on a journey among the constellations and will introduce you to the progress made by the great astronomers of the past, the more or less fantastic interpretations of celestial phenomena, and the evolution of the knowledge of the universe gained by those who made the study of the cosmos the very purpose of their lives. You will discover how in many cases art and scientific knowledge merged in such an exceptional manner, resulting in star maps that are true masterpieces of human genius that even now, centuries after their creation, transmit the extraordinary meaning and message that lie at the basis of their conception.

About the Author

Elena Percivaldi is a medieval historian and essay writer. A professional journalist since 2002, she collaborates with some of the most important mainstream magazines in the history section: Medioevo, BBC History, Storie di Guerre e Guerrieri, Conoscere la Storia. Moreover, she runs "Storie & Archeostorie", the history, art and archaeology newsletter edited by Perceval Archeostoria, her research and consultancy studio.

As well as her many activities as a speaker in meetings, conferences and conventions throughout Italy and abroad, she is also a trustee of historicalarchaeological exhibitions and historical-re-enactments.