Lot 383
  • 383

LULL, ARS MAGNA GENERALIS ET ULTIMA, 1517

Estimate
4,000 - 6,000 GBP
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Description

  • Ars magna generalis et ultima. Lyon: Jacques Marechal for Simon Vincent, 5 May 1517
8vo (190 x 130mm.), gothic letter, title and last preliminary leaf printed in red and black, woodcut initials and diagrams, RARE leaf at end with volvelles intended to be cut out and mounted, modern crushed morocco by Jules Meyer (Paris), spine and edges gilt, demi stag azure crest on upper cover with banner entitled "Laboremus", gilt dentelles, modern folding cloth box, occasional staining and spotting, B4 restored at lower corner (not affecting text)

Provenance

bought from Dolphin Bookshop, Oxford, 1985

Literature

Tomash & Williams L142; Baudrier XI, 393; Palau 143693; Rogent & Duran 65; USTC 144684; John N. Crossley, "Ramon Llull’s contribution to computer science" in Ramon Llull: From the Ars Magna to Artificial Intelligence, edited by Alexander Fidora and Carles Sierra (Barcelona 2011), pp.39-60

Condition

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, 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."

Catalogue Note

A new edition by the Basque Franciscan Bernard de Lavinheta (d. 1530) of Lull’s major work, describing his combinatorial system for determining the attributes of God. Bound at end is a sheet with two woodcut diagrams of the symbolic letters H-I-K-B-C-D-E-F-G and an instruction to the binder: “Aduertendum est op minor circulus… in folio quarto in secunda parte”.