van Lansberge, Phillipe | Les tables perpetuelles des mouvemens celestes, Middleburg, 1633, and two other works

(Copernicana) — Philippe van Lansberge

Les tables perpetuelles des mouvemens celestes. Middleburg: Zachary Roman, 1633; [Bound with:] Theories Nouvelles, Vrayes & Propres, des mouvemens celestes. Middleburg: Zachary Roman, 1633; [And:] Tresor d'observations astronomiques. Middleburg: Zachary Roman, 1633

First edition in French of these tables compiled by Dutch astronomer and Kepler contemporary Philippe van Lansberge.

Lansberge was a "staunch Copernican but disagreed with Kepler regarding the elliptical nature of the planetary orbits, considering the circular concepts (epicycles) of Tycho Brahe to be more correct" (Tomash & Williams L25). The tables are his best known work.

Three works in one volume, folio (286 x 186 mm). Each title with printer's device depicting the earth circling the sun, but without the engraved general title of astronomers and the portrait of the author sometimes found, woodcut initials and tailpieces, numerous woodcut diagrams and tables, one folding table, manuscript note to Ddd6; soiled, lightly foxed, and dampstained, lower corner of first few gatherings bumped, gutter browned, a few instances of marginal worming, E2 and E3 sprung, several leaves starting, closed tear to Nn6, cancel slip with diagram tipped in to Ddd3, open tear to Cccc5. Drab boards; spine lost but cords holding, upper cover detached, held by added paper wrapper but torn at spine.

REFERENCES

Tables Perpetuelles: cf. USTC 1011770; Theories Nouvelles: USTC 1510684; cf. Tomash & Williams L25; Poggendorf I:1373-4

PROVENANCE

Robert S. Dunham (acquired through Sotheran's, March 1947; Sotheby's, 11 December 1993, lot 657 [part])