[20], 68; [2], 221, [9] pp. With copper-engraved allegorical frontispiece by Wenceslaus Hollar & 11 copper-engraved plates, 6 double-page (2 of which, northern and southern heavens, are joined and folding); 7 copper-engravings of solar systems in the text; engraved headpieces & initials. (folio) 41x26 cm. (16¼x10, modern calf. First Edition of this translation, with an extensive appendix.
Nice copy of what is undoubtedly the grandest and most magnificently printed 17th century English work on astronomy. The work is a translation of Manilius' first book on the Sphere - the properly astronomical portion of Manilius' work. More notably, contains a lengthy overview of the history of astronomy ("The Original and Progress of Astronomy"), a 101-page "Catalogue of the most Eminent Astronomers, Ancient & Modern," of great significance, and explanations of the Cosmical System, constellations, the sun, the moon, various planets, an extensive illustrated discussion of comets, etc. etc. The plates include celestial maps of the two hemispheres; an illustration of the sun (with its sunspots); 3 plates of the moon; and 5 plates depicting the different visual form of comets. Printed in large type on thick paper, with finely engraved plates, the work is both rare and of great import.
Condition:
Occasional darkening (mostly marginal) and soiling to contents, repair to verso of frontispiece; folding plate with a few tears and folds and some creasing, overall very good or better.