2 volumes (216 x 127 mm). 26 folding plates (offsetting, toning). Contemporary full calf (rubbing).

James Ferguson was a Scottish astronomer who, though not widely remembered today, was highly influential in his time for his ability to translate complicated astronomical concepts into a language easily understood by the common reader. The present work has been described as "containing no theoretical novelty, [though] the manner and method of its expositions were entirely original... The book formed Herschel's introduction to celestial science." (DNB IV, 1207ff).