THE FIRST REAL 3D BOOK — PIONEERING STEREOSCOPIC PHOTOGRAPHY IN BOOK FORM

1858. Item #92

THE FIRST REAL 3D BOOK — PIONEERING STEREOSCOPIC PHOTOGRAPHY IN BOOK FORM

SMYTH, C. PIAZZI.

Teneriffe, an Astronomer’s Experiment; or, Specialities of a Residence Above the Clouds. London: Lovell Reeve, 1858. INVRBGSUS

First edition. 8vo (approx. 19 x 12 cm). Half-title; engraved map; publisher’s advertisements; 20 mounted albumen stereoscopic photographs (complete).

Prize binding: contemporary full polished calf, covers ruled in gilt, upper cover with central gilt armorial device reading “St. Catherine’s Hermitage, Bath – Conducted by Mrs. Hooper – Prize”; spine richly gilt in compartments, red morocco lettering piece, gilt; all edges gilt. A handsome and well-preserved example, with some rubbing to extremities and light surface wear; internally clean with scattered foxing, as usual.

Provenance: Awarded to Montague Langham, Christmas 1864, for “Mathematics and Good Conduct, Class I Prize,” manuscript inscription to front free endpaper.

An important and pioneering work in both astronomy and photography, documenting Charles Piazzi Smyth’s expedition to Tenerife. This experiment effectively established the principle of the mountaintop observatory, now fundamental to modern astronomy.

Of particular note, this volume is the first book illustrated with stereoscopic photographs, here present in the form of finely mounted albumen stereoviews. Each plate, when viewed through a stereoscope, resolves into a single three-dimensional image, representing one of the earliest practical applications of 3D imaging in print and a landmark in the history of photographic illustration.

Smyth’s work also reflects the influence of Robert Stephenson, whose yacht Titania transported the expedition and its equipment.

A highly desirable example, enhanced by its attractive institutional prize binding, linking scientific innovation with Victorian educational culture.

Price: $850.00