Colonial America
Paul Revere's "Representation of the ... Eclipse" Printed Woodcut Illustration in Nathaniel Ames Boston Almanack
1766-Dated Colonial America, "An Astronomical Diary; Or, Almanack For the Year of Our Lord CHRIST 1766," by Nathaniel Ames, Printed and Sold by W. M'Alpine and J. Fleeming, Boston, Fine.
An original Boston printed Almanack by the historic printer Nathaniel Ames. It is complete, measuring 6.5" x 4", with all 20 pages, including an excellent example of Paul Revere's woodcut engraved Print of an Eclipse, located on page 13. It reads, in part: "There will be four Eclipses this year. The first of the SUN, February 9th, at 7h. 13m, 23s, Morning, invisible in North America...".
An authentic Paul Revere, Jr. Engraved woodblock printed illustration that nicely diagrams the exact position of the Sun, Moon, and the Earth at the middle of the Eclipse event. Colonial Almanacs frequently contained illustrations of either "Man of Signs," the Farmer's Labors in each month, or other Astronomical woodcuts, such as Eclipses and Celestial movements. This example is quite good in its diagramming, thus helping through use of a visual aid to make the text more understandable to its readers. The front cover has separated from the stitching along the spine and has some light foxing from use. Internally the pages are quite clean and pleasing. The historic Paul Revere Engraved "Representation of the ... Eclipse" woodblock printed illustration is sharp, having crisp choice eye appeal. A historic colonial American Boston Almanac that contains a nice engraving by Paul Revere. See: Clarence Brigham, "Paul Revere's Engravings" p. 198; F Drake 3149; Evans 9897. R. 1849.
Nathaniel Ames (1741"1822), was an Almanac writer, physician, and political activist, was born in Dedham, Massachusetts, the son of Nathaniel Ames and Deborah Fisher Ames. The senior Nathaniel strongly influenced his son with his deep interest in the "new science" of Isaac Newton and his activities as a physician, tavern proprietor, and compiler of a notable almanac. At sixteen Nathaniel, Jr., entered Harvard College and in January 1758 began to keep a diary.