An Astronomical Diary; or, Almanack for the year of Christian Æra, 1777
Almanacs were key references for colonial Americans, centered on calendars but also containing weather and astronomical charts, news, jokes and practical and political advice. This single folded sheet comprises the front cover and part of the interior of an almanac published in Massachusetts by Nathaniel Low, soon after the start of the American Revolution (if complete, the almanac would have 24 pages; see 24.90.1895). A map on the front, titled "A View of the Present Seat of War, New-York," locates forts and shows General Washington's army and the British fleet blocading the harbor. Inside we find part of an "Address to the Tories" followed by a January 1777 calendar. The publisher Nathaniel Low was a writer, physician and astronomer who lived at Ipswich, Massachusetts and issued Low’s "Almanac" from 1762 until his death in 1806; with his son continuing the run to 1827.
Artwork Details
- Title: An Astronomical Diary; or, Almanack for the year of Christian Æra, 1777
- Publisher: Nathaniel Low (American, 1740–1808)
- Printer: J. Gill (Boston, Massachusetts)
- Printer: T. & J. Fleet (Boston, Massachusetts)
- Date: 1776
- Medium: Woodcut and letterpress
- Dimensions: Sheet (folded): 6 5/8 × 4 3/16 in. (16.9 × 10.7 cm)
- Classification: Prints
- Credit Line: The Edward W. C. Arnold Collection of New York Prints, Maps and Pictures, Bequest of Edward W. C. Arnold, 1954
- Object Number: 54.90.1645
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
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