Tycho Brahe, 1610

BRAHE, Tycho (1546-1601). Astronomiae instauratae progymnasmata. Edited by Johann Kepler. Frankfurt: Gottfried Tampach, 1610.

First edition, second issue. The Progymnasmata describes Brahe's observations on the Cassiopeia supernova of 1572-74 along with his revisions of the theories of solar and lunar movement and a catalogue of the positions of 777 fixed stars. An edition of the work was begun at Hven but never issued—it was only published posthumously, edited by Johann Kepler at Prague in 1602. The present edition largely consists of sheets printed for the Prague edition with a new title and the first quire reset. Houzeau & Lancaster 2700.

Quarto (231 x 174mm).Title-page printed in red and black, numerous woodcuts of astronomical instruments, text diagrams, and astronomical tables (variable browning, quite dark in several places, light stains/spotting intermittently, short tears in margin of title and a couple other leaves). Early vellum, manuscript title on spine (evidence of ties, some soiling). Provenance: early checkmarks on a few tables and shelfmark "M.IV.55" on pastedown – Bernard Quaritch (bookseller's note dated 1980) – Owen Gingerich (bookplate).