Michael Maestlin, 1588

MAESTLIN, Michael (1550–1631). Epitome astronomiae. Tubingen: Gerog Gruppenbach, 1588.

Rare astronomical handbook with contemporary annotations. “It provides a clear and concise presentation of the fundamental astronomical truths according to the best sources, including Peuerbach, Regiomontanus and even Copernicus—though, to keep the peace, the earth is still formally assumed to be at rest” (ADB, vol. 20). An early reader has added a detailed note to this copy on the reverse of the final flyleaf concerning lunar eclipses.

12mo (158 × 104mm). 6 fold-out tables, astronomical woodcuts throughout (large repair to title-page on outer margin, without volvelles, evidence of a lacking volvelle on E1v with repaired puncture hole costing two letters, toned, occasional spotting and stains). Contemporary blindstamped pigskin, manuscript title on spine, edges dyed blue (soiling, lower hinge reinforced, wear at extremities); custom quarter brown morocco box. Provenance: contemporary annotations and marginalia – 1613 inscription on title-page mostly erased – Tobi Brini? (ownership inscription on upper pastedown, 1666) – John Williams Streeter (ownership inscription on flyleaf, May 1949).