[25 (of 28)], 452 (of 464) leaves. pi4 (lacking pi1-3), a-d4, A-X4, 2A-2Y6, 2A-2Y6, 3A-3F6, 3G-3Y6, 3A-3E4 (lacking 3B, 3D-3E). Translated by H. Billingsly. Preface by John Dee. With geometric diagrams throughout. (folio) 33x20 cm. (12x8"), 19th century half calf & marbled boards. First Edition in English.
First edition of Dee's Euclid, the great geometry's first translation into English, and the first major scientific book in English. The importance of Euclid in the development of mathematics cannot be overstated, and nor can the impact of the present work, bringing into the English vernacular one of the foundation works of philosophy. There are a number of errors in the foliation, and folio number 204 is skipped. STC 10560. In complete copies, the folio numbers end at 464, followed by a blank leaf to complete signature EEE. In the present copy, the first three leaves, including the title-page (which is supplied in manuscript), are not present, with the first page present being the beginning of John Dee's important Mathematical Preface. Also lacking are signatures BBB, DDD and EEE at the end of the work- this was a portion of the 16th book, which was not by Euclid, but by the 16th century mathematician and scholar Flussas (Francois Foix de Candalle). In addition, there are none of the moveable overlays which were in Book Eleven of some copies, in varying numbers. The folding table is also not present. There is occasional early ink marginalia. STC 10560.
Condition:
Binding worn, front cover detached; leaf [pi]4 on a stub; soiling to some lower margins, short tears to folios 11 and 12, contents overall very good.