Recorde, Robert | The Castle of Knowledge, London, 1596, second edition, early sheep

Recorde, Robert

The Castle of Knowledge. London: Valentine Sims, assigned by Bonham Norten, 1596

Second edition of the earliest major English astronomical treatise. First published in 1556 (see lot 15), Recorde's work is notable for containing the first favourable reference to Copernicus in English: "a man of greate learninge, of muche experience, and of wonderfull diligence in observation."

4to (190 x 149 mm). Gothic type, title within woodcut border, tables, numerous diagrams and figures of instruments, decorative initials and factotums; a few leaves shaved, touching some shoulder-notes, some small corner repairs. Early sheep, red lettering-piece; old repairs to spine ends, extremities rubbed, upper cover becoming detached.

REFERENCES

Johnson, Astronomical Thought in Renaissance England; ESTC S115702; STC 20797; USTC 513269

PROVENANCE

"Liber H[e]nr[i]cii Cooperii …" (early modern ownership inscription to lower margin of title) — Robert S. Dunham (acquired from F. Thomas Heller on 15 November 1952, pencil acquisition note to front pastedown; Sotheby's New York, 11 December 1993, lot 757)