{"product_id":"the-great-architect-as-manifested-in-the-material-universe-mungo-ponton","title":"The Great Architect: As Manifested in the Material Universe, Mungo Ponton","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Great Architect: As Manifested in the Material Universe, Mungo Ponton — 2nd Edition\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"1\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003ePublication\u003c\/b\u003e: London; Edinburgh; and New York, T. Nelson and Sons, 1866\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"2\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"2\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eFormatting\u003c\/b\u003e: 8vo, pp. [viii], 276.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"3\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eCondition Report\u003c\/b\u003e: Good. The original plum pebble-grain publisher's cloth remains structurally sound, with its blind strapwork and the central gilt vignette of a spiral nebula still distinct on the front board. The spine is heavily sunned to a tan-brown and presents a noticeable dark splash-stain to the lower and middle portions, while the gilt spine titles are partially rubbed but remain entirely legible. The extremities exhibit moderate bumping, softening, and rubbing typical of mid-Victorian cloth bindings. Internally, the binding holds firm without cracking to the hinges. The text block shows general age-toning and mild scattered foxing, though the remarkable chromolithographic and black-and-white plates, particularly the vibrant depictions of various spectra, remain uncommonly bright, clean, and striking, justifying the grade despite the external spine wear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eCatalogue Note\u003c\/b\u003e: This is the Second Edition overall, but importantly, it is the true First Edition under this title (having originally been published in 1863 under the title \u003ci data-path-to-node=\"4\" data-index-in-node=\"173\"\u003eThe Material Universe: Its Vastness and Durability\u003c\/i\u003e). This updated issue incorporates a new appendix containing recent astronomical observations and discoveries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"5\"\u003eThe author, Mungo Ponton (1801–1880), was a Scottish inventor who made critical early contributions to photography, discovering the light-sensitive quality of sodium dichromate in 1839. This discovery formed the basis of nearly all photomechanical processes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003eThe text is beautifully illustrated with plates, including several superb chromolithographs demonstrating light refraction, the solar spectrum, and Fraunhofer lines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003eDue to its early photographic and scientific significance, original copies of this work have become incredibly scarce on the open market.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7\"\u003eA fascinating Victorian exploration of the cosmos, \u003ci data-path-to-node=\"7\" data-index-in-node=\"58\"\u003eThe Great Architect\u003c\/i\u003e blends 19th-century theology with cutting-edge astronomy and physics. Mungo Ponton offers a compelling, condensed argument for intelligent design through the sheer vastness and structural perfection of the material universe. From the intricacies of the Milky Way and the solar system to the behaviour of light, optics, and the early science of photography, Ponton presents a universe governed by a divine, unifying intelligence, beautifully illustrated with pioneering scientific colour plates.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Broadhursts Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55228390080851,"sku":"5938","price":275.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/1469\/6787\/files\/20261004_123516.jpg?v=1791292381","url":"https:\/\/broadhurstsbooks.com\/products\/the-great-architect-as-manifested-in-the-material-universe-mungo-ponton","provider":"Broadhursts Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}