PTOLEMAEUS, Claudius (c.100-170). La Geografia. Translated by Girolamo Ruscelli. Venice: Vincenzo Valgrisi, 1561.

First edition of Ruscelli's translation of Ptolemy. The Renaissance rediscovery of the Greek text of Ptolemy’s Geography captured the imagination of thinkers across disciplines. Although none of the original maps survived antiquity, Renaissance cartographers rose to the challenge of re-illustrating the famous treatise. Here the maps are mostly after those of Giacomo Gastaldi, originally from the 1548 Italian edition printed by Bascarini. The translator, Girolamo Ruscelli, was the founder the first European scientific society: the Accademia Segreta in Naples. Adams P-2235; Sabin 66503.

Three parts in one, quarto (215 x 161mm). Greek and Roman types. Woodcut printer's device on title, historiated woodcut initials, woodcut diagrams, 62 double-page engraved maps mounted on stubs (lacking 2 maps, some dampstaining and toning, map of Holland torn at gutter with stains, maps in pt 2 with some soiling, occasional offsetting and spots). Older stiff vellum with manuscript title on spine, edges gilt (textblock cracked with about 11 maps loose from binding, lacking ties, a little soiling). Provenance: "Cav. Livio Parugi" (signature on title) – "MD" (stamp on title) – two other faint unidentified stamps – Herbert Claiborne Pell, Jun. (bookplate).