FONTANA, Francesco (1602–1656). Novae coelestium, terrestriumque rerum observationes. Naples: Gassari, 1646.

Rare first edition of the most outstanding optical-astronomical treatise after Galileo's Dialogo and a fine example of scientific book illustration. It contains the first printed account of spots on the surface of Mars, as well as Fontana's claims to the discovery of the telescope and microscope. Houzeau & Lancaster II,1328; Riccardi I, 467 (“Raro ed apprezzato”).

Quarto (206 × 149mm). Engraved title-page within aedicular border, engraved portrait of Fontana, 28 engraved lunar plates including one fold-out plate, 26 woodcut observations of the planets, woodcut initials and tailpieces (index bound between quires B and C, repair in L1 touching plate caption, occasional spotting). Contemporary vellum (rubbed, small stains). Provenance: manuscript titling on spine – manuscript titling on upper cover – removed stamp on V3.