Kircher, Athanasius (1602-1680), S.J.

4to (237 x 173mm.), [22], 338, [4]pp., Latin and Coptic text, illustration: woodcut coat-of-arms of the dedicatee Cardinal Francesco Barberini on title-page, woodcut illustrations in text, initials, head- and tail-pieces, binding: contemporary mottled calf, spine gilt in compartments, binding slightly rubbed at edges, upper joint weak 

Sommervogel iv 1047; Dünnhaupt, Kircher 3

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

first edition, the earliest grammar of coptic and the first book to contain coptic types. This, the first of Kircher's book on hieroglyphics, also contains Syriac, Hebrew, Arabic, Armenian and Ethiopic types. There is a variant issue of the title-page which has the woodcut device on the Propaganda Fide rather than the arms of Cardinal Barberini.