Apianus, Petrus | Two significant illustrated geographical and astronomical texts

Apianus, Petrus

Cosmographia (ed. Gemma Frisius). Antwerp: Joannes Verwithagen for Christopher Plantin, 1574

4to (229 x 164 mm). collation: A–H⁴ K–S⁴: 68 irregularly foliated leaves. Large woodcut of a globe on title-page (repeated on F2v), folding woodcut map of the world ("Charta cosmographica, cum ventuorum proia natura et operatione") bound between quires H and K and presumably representing gathering I/J, approximately 79 woodcut text illustrations, maps, and diagrams, several full-page and 4 with volvelles (C2v, D1r, H2r, O3r), a great variety of historiated and other decorative woodcut initials; a little soiling, minor loss to lower margin of G3, H2 remargined at lower edge, H3 turn at lower margin just into text.

[Bound with:]

Finé, Oronce

De Mundi sphæra, sive Cosmographia, libri V. Paris: Michael Vascosanus, 1555

4to (229 x 164 mm). collation: *⁴ A–P⁴: 64 leaves. 46 woodcut and typographic cosmological text diagrams and illustrations, one partly printed in red, floriated woodcut initials; last leaf a little soiled and very slightly frayed.

The two works bound together in contemporary vellum, slightly overlapping edges, remnants of two pairs of ties, later inked title on spine; a little soiled and wrinkled. Half brown morocco folding-case gilt.

A handsome pairing of two of the most significant illustrated geographical and astronomical texts of the Renaissance.

REFERENCES:

Apianus: Adams A1283; European Americana 574/4; Ortroy, Apian 51; cf. Shirley, World 82. Finé: Adams F470; Houzeau & Lancaster 2379