Kepler, Johannes | Tabulae Rudolphinae …, Ulm, 1627[–1629], first edition, third state of Kepler's magnum opus substantiating his laws of planetary motion

Kepler, Johannes

Tabulae Rudolphinae, quibus astronomicae scientiae, temporum longinquitate collapsae restauratio continetur. Ulm: Jonas Sauer, 1627[–1629].

First edition of Kepler's magnum opus, the final work published during his lifetime, substantiating his laws of planetary motion.

The present work constituted the most exact set of astronomical tables hitherto known. The observations of Tycho Brahe (see lot 32) formed the basis of Kepler's own research. However, Tycho's data had been collected on the assumption that planets moved in "perfect" circular orbits. Therefore, positions had to be recalculated according to Kepler's own contention that planets orbit in an elliptical manner. This enormously influential work became the "foundation of all planetary calculations for over a century" (Sparrow).

One thousand copies of the first edition were printed in Ulm in 1627, in three states (affecting only the title-page and first three gatherings). The present (third) state includes the longer dedication from Brahe's heirs.

Tycho moved from Ulm to Sagan in 1628, and published the Sportula in Sagan in 1629. The Sportula—a four-leaf text which consists of directions for using the tables for astrological purposes—is present in this copy. Some copies additionally include a posthumously published world map and an appendix by J. Bartsch (the author's son-in-law), which are not present in this copy.

Folio (338 x 220 mm). With the 4-leaf text of the Sportula, engraved allegorical additional title, numerous in-text woodcut diagrams; without the posthumously published world map and index by Bartsch (each only present in a few copies), title-page cut within platemark at inner edge (without loss), k3 apparently guillotined when the book was bound, then expertly repaired (without loss), faint marginal dampstain, Sportula browned (as usual). Late-seventeenth-century brown morocco gilt, floral gilt cornerpieces, spine in six compartments, gilt edges, marbled endpapers; spine ends and corners expertly restored, a couple of marks to boards. Housed in modern half-calf case.

REFERENCES

Caspar 79; Houzeau and Lancaster 12754; Norman 1208; Sparrow 116

PROVENANCE

"?J. Guyon" (ownership inscription to top left of title-page) — S. Perez Junquera Y Ca., Madrid (bookseller's ticket of to front pastedown)