Kepler, Johannes | Epitome astronomiae copernicanae, Linz, 1618–1621, 3 parts in one volume, first edition of the first complete manual astronomy constructed after new principles

Kepler, Johannes

Epitome astronomiae copernicanae. Linz: Johannes Plancus, 1618–1621

First edition of each part—a very fine copy.

This was the first complete manual of astronomy constructed after new principles. Kepler writes that the fundamental laws discovered for Mars are equally true for the other planets, for the moon that revolves around the earth, and for the Medicean satellites around Jupiter. The Roman Catholic Church put this book on the Index librorum prohibitorum in 1619.

Three parts in one volume, 8vo (159 x 90 mm). Woodcut diagrams, folding table in part 3; occasional light dampstaining, bottom margin of D1 in part 1 frayed but intact, paper flaw on p. 676, light browning in part 3. Contemporary vellum, green-sprinkled edges.

REFERENCES

Caspar 55, 63, 66; Honeyman sale 5:1794; Houzeau & Lancaster 11831; HRC, Kepler 77; Rocco/Cinti 60, 61, 67

PROVENANCE

Robert S. Dunham (acquired from F. Thomas Heller in June 1948: Sotheby's New York, 11 December 1993, lot 713)