van Lansberge, Phillipe | Commentationes in motum terrae diurnum et annuum, Middleburg, 1630, first edition

Philippe van Lansberge

Commentationes in motum terrae diurnum et annuum. Middleburg: Zachary Roman, 1630

First edition of this work in defense of Copernican theory.

A contemporary of Galileo and Kepler, Lansberge was a Flemish astronomer and preacher. Here he argued in support of Copernicus's heliocentric theory, preceding Galileo's revolutionary Dialogo by two years.

4to (216 x 158 mm). Woodcut diagram to title, historiated initials, ornamental headpieces, folding engraved plate, contemporary marginalia and manuscript pagination; some foxing, short closed tear to folding plate. Later marbled paper-covered boards; some rubbing.

REFERENCES

USTC 1011060

PROVENANCE

Robert S. Dunham (acquired from Heller in September 1959; Sotheby's New York, 11 December 1993, lot 657 [part])