APIANUS, Petrus (1495–1552); FRISIUS, Gemma (1508–1555). Cosmographia, sive Descritpio universi Orbis. – Usus annuli Astronomici. – De radio Astronomico et Geometrico liber. – De Astrolabo Catholico liber. Antwerp: Jean Withaye for Joannes Beller, 1584.

Early edition of Apianus’ opus, with a lovely copy of Frisius's cordiform map and in a contemporary binding by Albertus Cola, dated 1596. The Horblit copy. Cosmographia was Apianus’ first major work, consolidating his reputation as an excellent mathematician and pioneer of astronomical and geographical instrumentation. This version of Cosmographia, as enlarged and modified by his student Gemma Frisius first in 1529 and again in 1530, became one of the most popular books of the time. As a result of the success of this and previous works, Apianus was appointed Professor of Mathematics at the University of Inglostadt and also received a knighthood from Charles V. Frisius’ most important contribution is the chapter entitled “Libellus de locorum describendorum ratione”, which contains the earliest description of triangulation as a means of accurate surveying and mapping. The present edition contains three treatises by Gemma describing astronomical instruments of his own invention. Adams A-1286; Alden and Landis 584/2; van Ortroy 59.

Quarto ( 240 × 160mm). Large globe woodcut on title-page, folding mappa mundi after Frisius (Shirley 96), astronomical and geographical woodcuts, with four volvelles in C2, D1, I1 and 2A2 (volvelle parts not guaranteed, without final blank, upper blank corner of H3 torn, two small holes in quire 2K, light toning and occasional spotting). Contemporary limp vellum, remains of four ties (rubbed, small stains); custom morocco box. Provenance: Peter Schenckern (inscriptions at front and at end, the second stating that the book was bound by Albertus Cola on 18 September [15]96) – Harrison D. Horblit (bookplate; his sale, Sotheby’s, London, 10 June 1974, lot 45) – anonymous owner, Christie’s New York, 22 May 2001, lot 182.