Serrano, Astronomia universal, Cordoba, 1735, contemporary limp vellum

Gonzalo Antonio Serrano

Astronomia universal theorica, y practica, conforme a la doctrina de antiguos y modernos astronomos... tomo primero (Geometria selecta, theorica, y practica). Cordoba: for the author by Pedro Arias de la Vega and Domingo Acosta, 1735 (1736)

2 parts in one volume, folio (303 x 201mm.), woodcut initials, head- and tailpieces, woodcut diagrams, contemporary limp vellum, G3-H2 detached

Serrano, a Cordovan physician and mathematician, set up his own print shop to produce his books, which was active between 1730 and 1758. The first work is a survey of astronomy and astrology, with a preliminary section containing an alphabetical listing of astronomers through history. The final leaf of the first part indicates the contents of a planned second volume, which was never published. The second work is based on Euclid's Elements.

Works by Serrano are rare at auction.

PROVENANCE

contemporary inscription on title-page (partly erased) from Antequera (Malaga); Fr. Diego of the Discalced Trinitarians, inscription on title-page verso dated 1746

LITERATURE

Houzeau & Lancaster 9250; Palau 310340 (both parts)