This 1841 edition of Norie's Set of Celestial Maps is a practical guide for celestial navigation, comprising six numbered charts intended for use by nautical professionals and amateur astronomers. The charts are specifically designed to assist users in identifying principal stars for the purpose of celestial navigation. Its aim is to facilitate the finding of stars crucial for determining latitude and time at sea, particularly for longitudinal calculations through lunar observations.
Authored by John William Norie, a respected mathematician and hydrographer, the work perpetuates his significant contributions to nautical science and education. Norie's seminal publication, An Epitome of Practical Navigation, first appeared in 1805 and became an authoritative reference in navigational instruction.
The charts were published by Charles Wilson, the proprietor of the business following Norie's tenure, which was initially established by William Heather. The business, located at the Naval Academy and Naval Warehouse on Leadenhall Street, specialized in selling nautical charts and navigational instruments.
This publication is of historical interest due to its association with distinguished figures in the field of scientific instrumentation and astronomical study, as well as for its representation of celestial navigation practices of the early 19th century.
John William Norie (1772 – 1843) was a publisher of nautical books held in high regard by his contemporaries. He also specialized in nautical charts and was a mathematician. Norie was born in Wapping, London, the eldest of eight children.
Norie had an apptitude for navigation and chart making. His first work was published in 1796, The Description and Use of Hadley's Quadrant, by William Heather, a chart and instrument seller. Heather then took Norie on as a chart maker and allowed him to run a nautical academy out of Heather's premises on Leadenhall Street. He continued to work for Heather, working out of his shop.
Norie published many works, but the most famous were A Complete Set of Nautical Tables (1803) and the Epitome of Practical Navigation (1805). Both were reissued throughout the nineteenth century, usually together. The Tables are still issued today. The Epitome became the standard work on navigation; it was so famous that authors C. S. Forester and Jack London both mention the book in their fiction. In addition to the Epitome, Norie wrote the The shipwright's vade-mecum (1822), Plates Descriptive of the Maritime Flags of All Nations (1838), and The naval gazetteer, biographer, and chronologist; new and improved (1842). He also provided pilots with charts that covered practically the entire world's seas--the famous blue-back charts.
Norie partnered with a financial backer, George Wilson, to buy Heather's business upon Heather's death in 1813. In addition to the nautical academy and the copyright to his books, Norie prospered from the growing business, which he managed. The shop, operating under the sign of the Wooden Midshipman, was called the Navigation Warehouse. It featured in Charles Dickens' Dombey and Son.
Norie retired in 1840. He sold his shares in the business and moved to Edinburgh. He died there, at the age of 71, on Christmas Eve 1843. His company was renamed Norie & Wilson after his retirement. In 1903, the firm merged with rivals and became Imray, Laurie, Norie & Wilson. It is still in business today.