Bonhams 1793 : GREAT MOON HOAX. 2 lithographs:1. Scoperte fatte nella luna dal Sigr. Herschell. Naples: Fergola, [c.1836]. 2. GALLUZZO, LEOPOLDO. Altre scoverte fatte nella luna dal Sigr. Herschel. Naples: L. Gatti e Dura, 1836.

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5 Dec 2012 13:00 EST New York
Illuminating Space: Images from a Private Virginian Collection
Back to auction 20830

GREAT MOON HOAX.

2 lithographs:
1. Scoperte fatte nella luna dal Sigr. Herschell. Naples: Fergola, [c.1836].
2. GALLUZZO, LEOPOLDO. Altre scoverte fatte nella luna dal Sigr. Herschel. Naples: L. Gatti e Dura, 1836.
Each 460 x 350 mm. Laid down with some loss, creases. Framed.

In 1836, Richard E. Locke, writing for the New York Sun, claimed that the noted British astronomer Sir John Herschel had discovered life on the Moon. Flora and fauna included bat-men, Moon maidens (with luna-moth wings), Moon bison, and other extravagant life forms. Locke proposed an expedition to the moon using a ship supported by hydrogen balloons.

Sold for US$ 2,125 inc. premium

Category: Space / Space History

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