BRAHE, Tycho (1546-1601). Historia Coelestis. Augsburg: Simon Utzschneider, 1666.

First edition of Brahe’s vast astronomical observations made between 1582 and 1601. In manuscript form, these observations were the base of Johannes Kepler’s publication of the Tabulae Rudolphinae (1627), but they were not printed until Albert Curtz prepared the present edition over 60 years after Brahe’s death. The fine engraved plates include a portrait of the author and numerous woodcuts show a range of astronomical instruments. The present copy is without the folding plate depicting Uraniborg.

Two volumes in one, folio (320 x 196mm). 2 woodcut title-pages, double-page engraving depicting the four emperors with terrestrial and celestial globes, engraved portrait of the author by Philip Kilian, woodcut illustrations throughout (title remargined, occasional light stains including on far edges of engravings). Contemporary blindstamped pigskin, manuscript title on spine (old paint/varnish on spine and partial cover showing some wear, strap remnants). Provenance: "Collegy Augustani Soc. Jesu. 1667" (inscription on title) – "IHS" and "MAR" (supralibros on upper and lower cover) – Owen Gingerich (bookplate).