Georg Peuerbach and Oronce Finé, 1528

[FINÉ, Oronce (1494-1555)]. La théorique des cielz, mouvemens et termes pratiques des sept planetes nouvellement et tres clerement redigee en langaige francois. Avec les figures tres utiles en leurs lieux proprement inserees. Paris: Simon du Bois pour Jean Pierre de Tours, 31 August 1528.

Vershbow copy of the first edition of the first astronomical treatise in French. This is also Finé's first work in French. The work treats planetary motion and includes a detailed account of the Alphonsine epicyclic theory. Among the illustrations are two astronomical instruments designed by Finé—an armillary sphere and a meteoroscope—depicted here for the first time and with a description of their use.

"[Finé's] work as a designer is closely related to his major fields of mathematics, astronomy and geography, and his contribution to book production is particularly interesting in extending beyond the illustration to the ornamentation of scientific texts" (Mortimer 277). Although Finé's name does not appear on the title, his monogram appears in one of the woodcuts of the armillary spheres, and his motto "Virescit vulnere virtus" appears on a number of pages. Brunet II, 1260; Mortimer French 224.

Folio (285 x 202mm). Bâtarde type. With final blank. 47 woodcuts in the text by Oronce Finé, including a number of diagrams showing planetary motion similar to those designed by Finé for the Peuerbach of 1515, and two of armillary spheres. (Washed, a few minor marginal defects.) Modern morocco (hinges weak, extremities rubbed). Provenance: early Dominican ownership inscription from Grenoble on title – [Federico Gentili di Giuseppe, according to Walsh given to his daughter:] – Adriana R. Salem (monogram booklabel) – with Bernard Quaritch (sold in 1967 to:) – Arthur and Charlotte Vershbow (bookplate; their sale, Christie's New York 9-10 April 2013, lot 175) – Owen Gingerich (bookplate).