50

Federico Commandino (1509-1575)

Ptolemaei Planisphaerium. Iordani Planisphaerium.

Venice: [Paolo Manuzio], 1558.
Quarto, first separate edition and first edition of Commandino's commentary, two parts in one volume with divisional title page; Paulus Manutius's Aldine device to each title and colophon (old stamp washed out on general title, legible stamp with initials at the foot of the page; two sets of numbers in ink in the top third outer margin); illustrated with text woodcuts; bound in modern half parchment with printer's waste on boards; 8 x 5 3/4 in.

"Commandino became the principal figure behind the revival of Greek mathematics, especially the work of Archimedes, in the last half of the 16th century. The works of the great Greek mathematicians, such as Euclid, Archimedes, Ptolemy, Apollonius, and Pappus of Alexandria, existed mainly in manuscript, and most of these manuscripts were incomplete, and many had been translated from Greek to Arabic to Latin, with multiple errors creeping in at each stage of translation. Commandino had access, through his many patrons, such as the Cardinal Farnese, to multiple manuscript versions of most of the important works, so he was able to collate the different versions and tease out the correct text. Fortunately, he was an excellent mathematician and could complete proofs that were incomplete, and correct those that were wrong." (Quoted from William B. Ashworth, Jr.'s article on Commandino published by the Linda Hall Library as their Scientist of the Day feature, September 5, 2023. https://www.lindahall.org/about/news/scientist-of-the-day/federico-commandino/)

  • Notes: Ex libris Professor, Astronomer, Historian & Bibliophile Owen Gingerich.
  • Condition: A-K4 (A1 blank & present), L2 (L2 blank but for printer's device present); a-g4.

    Please contact us to request a condition report:
    Devon Eastland, Senior Specialist: [email protected]
    Grace Meschery-McCormack, Cataloguer: [email protected]


    Please contact the Specialist for the auction to request a condition report.

    Condition reports and additional images are provided as a courtesy and should be used by you to aid in the formation of your own opinion regarding condition. All material is sold subject to Swann's standard Terms and Conditions of Sale as published in our catalogues and posted on our website, and include the following terms: (1) all property is sold "as-is"; and (2) works cannot be returned on the basis of condition.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Upon request, Swann will facilitate the shipping of purchases to out-of-town buyers at an additional charge for packing, shipping and insurance, but will not be responsible for any loss, damage or delay resulting from the packing, handling and shipping thereof. Unless specific instructions are received, Swann is the sole judge of the method to be used for shipment. Packing and shipping costs will be noted on the invoice mailed to successful bidders after the sale, and are based on the actual costs involved. Be advised that a full commercial invoice must accompany any purchase shipped outside the US.

October 23, 2025 10:30 AM EDT
New York, NY, US

Swann Auction Galleries

You agree to pay a buyer’s premium, as outlined below, and any applicable taxes and shipping.
Buyer's Premium
$0 - $100,000:
27.00%
$100,001 - $1,000,000:
22.00%
$1,000,001+:
12.00%

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $149 $10
$150 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $5,999 $200
$6,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 $499,999 $20,000
$500,000 + $50,000