Magini, Giovanni Antonio | Novae coelestium orbium theoricae congruentes cum observationibus N. Copernici, Venice, 1589, first edition, contemporary limp vellum

Magini, Giovanni

Novae coelestium orbium theoricae congruentes cum observationibus N. Copernici. Venice: Ex officina Damiani Zenarij, 1589

First edition of this pro-Copernican statement of the sixteenth century, 43 years before Galileo’s Dialogo.

Though in support of Copernicus’s heliocentric theory, whom he heavily praises within the preface, Magini would posit his geocentric system of the world, consisting of eleven rotating spheres in the present work. The Italian astronomer, mathematician, and cartographer regularly collaborated with the well-known early scientists, corresponding with Brahe, Nabod, and was invited by Kepler to help in the compilation of new astronomical tables, now known as the Rudolphine Tables. 

Very rare (Sotheran/Zeitlinger). 

4to (240 x 180 mm). Engraved architectural title, historiated initials, numerous woodcut in-text diagrams; occasional and predominately marginal foxing, dampstains affecting one gathering. Contemporary limp vellum, manuscript title to spine, edges stained red; spine loose, worn with a few stains and wormholes at joint and lower pastedown, spine soiled, ties lacking.

REFERENCES

Adams M-119; De Caro 103; Honeyman V 2098; Houzeau-Lancaster 12741

PROVENANCE

Library of the Princes of Liechtenstein (bookplate to front pastedown) — Robert S. Dunham (Sotheby's, 11 October 1993, lot 657 [part])