TitleChoir Gaur
Book Publisher
Biography Subject
Book Author
AuthorSmith J
Publisher
Date
View Book
vbvbnvbtypevbtown
Plates
CategoryUK Topography
SubjectStonehenge
Topo Subcat
Books Series
Series Sequence No,
Natural History
Art Reference
Transport
BuildingsAncient
Country
CountyWiltshire
TownStonehenge
Dept
Departement
Purchase Date05/01/2000
BooksellerDominic Winter
SourceSwindon D.Winter
Cost$73.00
Category
County
Town
BOOK
WAM Off-print
Flags
Volume
Format
Pagination
Maps
Descriptive Comments
Other Notes
Fair or Market
Internet?
Funding
Estimated Value$150.00
Look for better copy?
Binding & Condition
Book plates & labels
Signatures
MS Notes
Provenance Notes
Binding Required?
Date200507
BinderCottage Bindery
Work Done/RequiredQuarter calf binding
Cost/Estimate$50.00
Rarity
LHD (formerly Copac)
LHD search


Large 4to. Pub by Easton of Salisbury. vi + 73pp, 3 folding plates (plans)
Sometimes found with 2 additional plates - views by H.Roberts after George Keate - NE View and ?? View


Price Guide
Number of copies seen: 8
Target price: $250

£185 Hatch25 probably lg paper, orig wraps uncut rebacked, wrappers a little torn & soiled

£215 Hatch27,28,29 cont.marbled bds, rebacked in calf,upper joint cracked, corners rubbed ex-lib with the 2 addnl plates

£225 Hatch29
£245 Hatch30 orig pale blue paper wraps rebacked, wraps repaired, one plate repaired, owner's name cut from title

£225 Hatch 30,32 C18 half calf rebacked, corners rubbed, new end leaves. One plate is a facsimile

£325 Hatch 9407 old calf

£212 W&W 9503 later half calf

8/1999 Ambra:
Smith (Dr. John) CHOIR GAUR; The Grand Orrery of The Ancient Druids, Commonly called Stonehenge, on Salisbury Plain, Astronomically explained, and Mathematically proved to be a Temple erected in the earliest Ages, for Observing the Motions of the Heavenly Bodies. Illustrated with Three Copper Plates. With 3 folding plates, vi + 73pp, early half calf, marbled boards, rubbed, top board loose, light spotting to plates. Salisbury: Printed for the Author, And Sold by E. Easton. 1771. £250.00 * John Smith was the first to note that the sun rises over the heelstone on the longest day.
£380 from 6/2002

£73 D.Winter 0005 disbound one folding plate with some tears, with additional plate (NE View), otherwise clean

ABE 200209
Choir Gaur, The Grand Orrery of the Ancient Druids, Commonly Called Stonehenge, On Salisbury Plain by Smith, John Salisbury: The Author, 1771 Half-Leather. Fair/No Jacket. First Edition. 4to - over 9¾" - 12" tall. vi, 73 pages. 3 foldout plans at rear. Classic 18th Century Stonehenge work, surveying the opinions of other Stonehenge theorists. The first foldout has a tear patched on reverse with selvedge from a sheet of postage stamps. The secdond foldout is mis-folded and creased in the wrong places. The third foldout is also mis-folded, but not nearly as badly. Leather spine and hinges are in sound condition. The lower right leather tip and a portion of the marbled paper have been stripped away. The text is clean and good. Scarce book, $450.00 (Keywords: STONEHENGE STONE CIRCLES DRUIDS DRUIDISM MEGALITHS MEGALITHIC CULTURES)
The price of the book is US$ 450.00 The seller is Arcturus Books Inc. 1443 SE Port Saint Lucie Blvd. , Port St. Lucie, FL, U.S.A., 34952.

ABE 200310
1. CHOIR GAUR; The Grand Orrery of the Ancient Druids, Commonly Called Stonehenge, on Salisbury Plain, Astronomically Explained, and Mathematically Proved to be a Temple Erected in the Earliest Ages, For Observing the Motions of the Heavenly Bodies. Illustrated With Three Copper Plates. by SMITH, Dr. John. Salisbury: Printed for the Author, 1771. ¦ First Edition, the Authors Copy, with his signature to the titlepage. Alas, a miscreant (or perhaps the author himself) has excised Plate I by Palmer but this copy includes the two engraved views of Stonehenge by Roberts that Allibone states should be part of the volume but are rarely found thus: Lowndes avers that they were separately issued. John Smith, M.D. is not to be confused with John Smith, D.D., the minister and Gaelic scholar. Lowndes pp.2424-2425. 4to, vi, 73pp, 2 foldout copperplate plans, 2 foldout engraved views tipped-in to rear. Contemporary quarter calf over marbled boards, gilt lettering to crimson morocco spine label, engraved views uniformly age-toned, wear to joints, edges, corners, spine extremes, otherwise near very good.
The price of the book is US$ 750.00 (£ 451.19)
 The seller is Dailey Rare Books, ABAA
8216 Melrose Avenue , Los Angeles, CA, U.S.A., 90046.

ABE 200408
. Choir Gaur; the grand orrery of the ancient druids, commonly called Stonehenge, on Salisbury plain, astronomically explained, and mathematically proved to be a temple erected in the earliest ages, for observing the motions of the heavenly bodies. by SMITH, John. Salisbury, printed for the author, and sold by E. Easton: sold also by R. Horsfield; and J. White, London, 1771. 4to, pp. vi, 73, (1) errata; with two engraved plates of views of Stonehenge and three folding engraved plans; the initial folded plan with minor clean tear, faint foxing on the initial few leaves; a very nice copy, bound in early nineteenth century panelled calf, title gilt on spine, rebacked with the original spine laid down; from the library of Richard Gregory with his two engraved armorial bookplates (one with watermark '1814') and his name stamped gilt on spine; with John Harris's bookplate (by Reynold Stone). First edition of 'the first astronomical interpretatin of Stonehenge as a Druid temple' (J. Michell), complete with the two engraved views which are often lacking . Lowndes (III. 2425) suggests that these two plates were not published with the volume.
The price of the book is US$ 1023.10 (£ 560.07)
The seller is Kinokuniya Co Ltd
Sakuragaoka 5-38-1, Setagaya , Tokyo, ., Japan, 156-0054.
<mailto:antiquarian@kinokuniya.co.jp> Ph: +81 (0)3 3439 0161 Fax: +81 (0)3 3439 0839

ABE 200409
CHOIR GAUR: The Grand Orrey of the Ancient Druids, Commonly Called Stonehenge on Salisbury Plain Astronomically explained, and Mathematically proved to be a TEMPLE erected in the earliest Ages, for observing the Motions of the Heavenly Bodies. Illustrated with three Copper Plates by SMITH, Dr. John. Printed by the Author Salisbury, England 1771 First edition Hardcover, 4to, two engraved plates of Stonehenge, vi + 74 pp + 3 fold-out engraved views at rear, very good + condition, 20th. century binding, half beige leather with coordinating marbled boards, fresh endpapers, gilt title, etc. on spine, illustrations, very light overall wear to covers, light soiling to page edges, minor browning to pages, text remarkably bright and clean, binding solid. An attractive copy.
The price of the book is US$ 760.90 (£ 424.31)
The seller is Weiser Antiquarian Books, Inc.
PO Box 2050 , York Beach, ME, U.S.A., 03910.

ABE 200501
Choir Gaur; the Grand Orrery of the Ancient Druids, Commonly Called Stonehenge, on Salisbury Plain, Astronomically Explained, and Mathematically Proved to be a Temple Erected in the Earliest Ages, for Observing the motions of the Heavenly Bodies, by Smith, John Salisbury: Printed for the Author, 1771 Good. 73p.,, bound in contemporary calf with joints beginning to separate, all three plates are in fine condition. Classic work on Stonehenge. Unusual to be in contemporary binding. Contents fine. Previously owned by Rev. Dr. Peter Gunning. (Keywords: STONEHENGE; ANCIENT ASTRONOMY AZHIST1)
The price of the book is US$ 700.00 (£ 372.51) Alcuin Books is a member of the ABAA.  We guarantee our books both in terms of condition as described and authentic editions.  Our books are shipped to arrive in the same condition as when shipped.  Our toll free number is 1-866-946-1969.The seller is Alcuin Books, ABAA
4242 N. Scottsdale Road , Scottsdale, AZ, U.S.A., 85251.

Ebay Nov 2007
A copy very like mine sold for £380
CHOIR GAUR The Grand Orrery of the Ancient Druids, commonly called Stonehenge, on Salisbury Plain astronomically explained, and mathematically proved to be a Temple erected in the earliest ages, for observing the motions of the heavenly bodies
by DR JOHN SMITH Salisbury, printed for the author and sold by E. Easton, 1771
Description
FIRST EDITION, 4to, 310 x 245 mm, 12¼ x 9½ inches, 3 folding copper plate plans of Stonehenge, 1 woodcut diagram in the text, pages vi, 73, (1) - Errata, bound in modern quarter calf over marbled sides, raised bands and gilt rules to spine, gilt lettered morocco label, new endpapers.
Condition
Tail of spine and corners just slightly rubbed, light staining to margins of title page, fore-edges and lower edges untrimmed and lightly soiled at extremities, some brown spotting to 1 fore-edge margin,  contents otherwise clean and bright, some upper and lower corners very slightly chipped, tiny hole in 3 lower corners, very small closed tear to 1 inner margin, large closed tear to 1 plate, expertly repaired on reverse, no loss of image.  Binding tight and firm.  A very good copy.  


£185 Hatch25 probably lg paper, orig wraps uncut rebacked, wrappers a little torn & soiled

£215 Hatch27,28,29 cont.marbled bds, rebacked in calf,upper joint cracked, corners rubbed ex-lib with the 2 addnl plates

£225 Hatch29
£245 Hatch30 orig pale blue paper wraps rebacked, wraps repaired, one plate repaired, owner's name cut from title

£225 Hatch 30,32 C18 half calf rebacked, corners rubbed, new end leaves. One plate is a facsimile

£325 Hatch 9407 old calf

£212 W&W 9503 later half calf

8/1999 Ambra:
Smith (Dr. John) CHOIR GAUR; The Grand Orrery of The Ancient Druids, Commonly called Stonehenge, on Salisbury Plain, Astronomically explained, and Mathematically proved to be a Temple erected in the earliest Ages, for Observing the Motions of the Heavenly Bodies. Illustrated with Three Copper Plates. With 3 folding plates, vi + 73pp, early half calf, marbled boards, rubbed, top board loose, light spotting to plates. Salisbury: Printed for the Author, And Sold by E. Easton. 1771. £250.00 * John Smith was the first to note that the sun rises over the heelstone on the longest day.
£380 from 6/2002

£73 D.Winter 0005 disbound one folding plate with some tears, with additional plate (NE View), otherwise clean

ABE 200209
Choir Gaur, The Grand Orrery of the Ancient Druids, Commonly Called Stonehenge, On Salisbury Plain by Smith, John Salisbury: The Author, 1771 Half-Leather. Fair/No Jacket. First Edition. 4to - over 9¾" - 12" tall. vi, 73 pages. 3 foldout plans at rear. Classic 18th Century Stonehenge work, surveying the opinions of other Stonehenge theorists. The first foldout has a tear patched on reverse with selvedge from a sheet of postage stamps. The secdond foldout is mis-folded and creased in the wrong places. The third foldout is also mis-folded, but not nearly as badly. Leather spine and hinges are in sound condition. The lower right leather tip and a portion of the marbled paper have been stripped away. The text is clean and good. Scarce book, $450.00 (Keywords: STONEHENGE STONE CIRCLES DRUIDS DRUIDISM MEGALITHS MEGALITHIC CULTURES)
The price of the book is US$ 450.00 The seller is Arcturus Books Inc. 1443 SE Port Saint Lucie Blvd. , Port St. Lucie, FL, U.S.A., 34952.

ABE 200310
1. CHOIR GAUR; The Grand Orrery of the Ancient Druids, Commonly Called Stonehenge, on Salisbury Plain, Astronomically Explained, and Mathematically Proved to be a Temple Erected in the Earliest Ages, For Observing the Motions of the Heavenly Bodies. Illustrated With Three Copper Plates. by SMITH, Dr. John. Salisbury: Printed for the Author, 1771. ¦ First Edition, the Authors Copy, with his signature to the titlepage. Alas, a miscreant (or perhaps the author himself) has excised Plate I by Palmer but this copy includes the two engraved views of Stonehenge by Roberts that Allibone states should be part of the volume but are rarely found thus: Lowndes avers that they were separately issued. John Smith, M.D. is not to be confused with John Smith, D.D., the minister and Gaelic scholar. Lowndes pp.2424-2425. 4to, vi, 73pp, 2 foldout copperplate plans, 2 foldout engraved views tipped-in to rear. Contemporary quarter calf over marbled boards, gilt lettering to crimson morocco spine label, engraved views uniformly age-toned, wear to joints, edges, corners, spine extremes, otherwise near very good.
The price of the book is US$ 750.00 (£ 451.19)
 The seller is Dailey Rare Books, ABAA
8216 Melrose Avenue , Los Angeles, CA, U.S.A., 90046.

ABE 200408
. Choir Gaur; the grand orrery of the ancient druids, commonly called Stonehenge, on Salisbury plain, astronomically explained, and mathematically proved to be a temple erected in the earliest ages, for observing the motions of the heavenly bodies. by SMITH, John. Salisbury, printed for the author, and sold by E. Easton: sold also by R. Horsfield; and J. White, London, 1771. 4to, pp. vi, 73, (1) errata; with two engraved plates of views of Stonehenge and three folding engraved plans; the initial folded plan with minor clean tear, faint foxing on the initial few leaves; a very nice copy, bound in early nineteenth century panelled calf, title gilt on spine, rebacked with the original spine laid down; from the library of Richard Gregory with his two engraved armorial bookplates (one with watermark '1814') and his name stamped gilt on spine; with John Harris's bookplate (by Reynold Stone). First edition of 'the first astronomical interpretatin of Stonehenge as a Druid temple' (J. Michell), complete with the two engraved views which are often lacking . Lowndes (III. 2425) suggests that these two plates were not published with the volume.
The price of the book is US$ 1023.10 (£ 560.07)
The seller is Kinokuniya Co Ltd
Sakuragaoka 5-38-1, Setagaya , Tokyo, ., Japan, 156-0054.
<mailto:antiquarian@kinokuniya.co.jp> Ph: +81 (0)3 3439 0161 Fax: +81 (0)3 3439 0839

ABE 200409
CHOIR GAUR: The Grand Orrey of the Ancient Druids, Commonly Called Stonehenge on Salisbury Plain Astronomically explained, and Mathematically proved to be a TEMPLE erected in the earliest Ages, for observing the Motions of the Heavenly Bodies. Illustrated with three Copper Plates by SMITH, Dr. John. Printed by the Author Salisbury, England 1771 First edition Hardcover, 4to, two engraved plates of Stonehenge, vi + 74 pp + 3 fold-out engraved views at rear, very good + condition, 20th. century binding, half beige leather with coordinating marbled boards, fresh endpapers, gilt title, etc. on spine, illustrations, very light overall wear to covers, light soiling to page edges, minor browning to pages, text remarkably bright and clean, binding solid. An attractive copy.
The price of the book is US$ 760.90 (£ 424.31)
The seller is Weiser Antiquarian Books, Inc.
PO Box 2050 , York Beach, ME, U.S.A., 03910.

ABE 200501
Choir Gaur; the Grand Orrery of the Ancient Druids, Commonly Called Stonehenge, on Salisbury Plain, Astronomically Explained, and Mathematically Proved to be a Temple Erected in the Earliest Ages, for Observing the motions of the Heavenly Bodies, by Smith, John Salisbury: Printed for the Author, 1771 Good. 73p.,, bound in contemporary calf with joints beginning to separate, all three plates are in fine condition. Classic work on Stonehenge. Unusual to be in contemporary binding. Contents fine. Previously owned by Rev. Dr. Peter Gunning. (Keywords: STONEHENGE; ANCIENT ASTRONOMY AZHIST1)
The price of the book is US$ 700.00 (£ 372.51) Alcuin Books is a member of the ABAA. We guarantee our books both in terms of condition as described and authentic editions. Our books are shipped to arrive in the same condition as when shipped. Our toll free number is 1-866-946-1969.The seller is Alcuin Books, ABAA
4242 N. Scottsdale Road , Scottsdale, AZ, U.S.A., 85251.

Ebay Nov 2007
A copy very like mine sold for £380
CHOIR GAUR The Grand Orrery of the Ancient Druids, commonly called Stonehenge, on Salisbury Plain astronomically explained, and mathematically proved to be a Temple erected in the earliest ages, for observing the motions of the heavenly bodies
by DR JOHN SMITH Salisbury, printed for the author and sold by E. Easton, 1771
Description
FIRST EDITION, 4to, 310 x 245 mm, 12¼ x 9½ inches, 3 folding copper plate plans of Stonehenge, 1 woodcut diagram in the text, pages vi, 73, (1) - Errata, bound in modern quarter calf over marbled sides, raised bands and gilt rules to spine, gilt lettered morocco label, new endpapers.
Condition
Tail of spine and corners just slightly rubbed, light staining to margins of title page, fore-edges and lower edges untrimmed and lightly soiled at extremities, some brown spotting to 1 fore-edge margin, contents otherwise clean and bright, some upper and lower corners very slightly chipped, tiny hole in 3 lower corners, very small closed tear to 1 inner margin, large closed tear to 1 plate, expertly repaired on reverse, no loss of image. Binding tight and firm. A very good copy.