36

Francesco Giuntini (1523-1590)

La Sfera del Mondo.

Lyon: Appresso Simforiano Beraud, 1582.
First edition, octavo, author portrait in woodcut medallion to title page; illustrated with text diagrams, lacking full page plate extraneous to the collation and one folding plate with parts of unconstructed volvelles (all volvelles unconstructed in this copy); bound in full later limp parchment, new endleaves; uncommon at auction; 6 1/2 x 4 1/4 in.

Giuntini was a Carmelite mathematician and astronomer. This particular work gives testimony to the intellectual creep Copernicus's heliocentric model had made some decades after its initial appearance on the scene, even in catholic astronomy.

"In his diagram [as seen on page 19 of the present work], Giuntini depicts the planetary system established by Copernicus. [...] Preceding and following this diagram is Giuntini's brief description of the heliocentric theory: a central sun, above which are the 'heavens' of Mercury and Venus, the earth with its triple motion and lunar satellite, the 'heavens of Mars, Jove and Saturn, followed by the immobile eighth sphere. This 'opinione,' says Giuntini, is that previously held by Aristarchus Samius. [...] That Giuntini was friendly toward the hypothesis is also implied by the high regard in which he held Copernicus and his early followers. [...] To praise both Reinhold and Copernicus, to publish ephemerides based upon the heliocentric interpretation, and to present perhaps the earliest description and diagram of this interpretation to be printed in Italian, is evidence of a friendly interest in the Copernican hypothesis." (Quoted from Grant McColley's "Francesco Giuntini and the Copernican Hypothesis," published in Popular Astronomy, vol. 45, page 70, February 1937.)

  • Condition: a-z8, A8, B2.

    Ex libris Professor, Astronomer, Historian & Bibliophile Owen Gingerich.

    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.

April 23, 2026 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