Petrus Apianus | Cosmographia, Antwerp, calf, 1540, describing the discovery of America by Vespucci

Petrus Apianus:

Cosmographia. Antwerp: Arnold Berckmann, 1540

4to (224 x 149mm.), historiated initials, globe woodcut to title page, woodcut illustrations and diagrams, 5 with volvelles, printer's device to last, manuscript endpapers, early ownership inscription and later library stamp to title page, occasional marginalia, contemporary calf, v-shaped staining to upper gutter, lacking moving parts of three volvelles, black ink to edges, joints cracked, loss of leather to head, foot and corners, extremities bumped

This edition, edited by Apianus's student Gemma Frisius (1508-1555), contains the latter's account of Peru. The work describes the discovery of America by its namesake, Amerigo Vespucci, in 1497 [Fo.XXXI]. It contains 51 woodcut illustrations demonstrating the astronomical, cartological, mathematical and geographical concepts discussed in the treatise.

PROVENANCE:

Gabriel de Collan, early inscription on title-page; Abbey of St Victor, Paris, library stamp on title-page