23

Giuseppe Biancani (1566-1624)

Sphaera Mundi, seu Cosmographia, Demonstrativa, ac Facili Methodo Tradita.

Bologna: Typis Sebastiani Bonomij sumptibus Hieronymi Tamburini, 1620.
First edition, quarto, title page printed in red and black with woodcut diagram and early Jesuit institutional inscription; illustrated with text diagrams, one long folding plate and one full page plate meant to be mounted as a moving volvelle on the diagram on page 227 (bound opposite); a nicely copy bound in full contemporary parchment over boards (parchment covering slit to accommodate raised sewing supports which were originally covered with slips of alum-tawed leather, that leather now mostly chipped away); contents good, calligraphic title to bottom page edge; 9 x 6 1/2 in.

Biancani's interesting work is notable for its consistent and early use of the term telescope, still so new to readers. In addition to acknowledging Galileo's and Kepler's contributions to astronomy in print, he also does much to further the study of acoustic geometry or echometry, the science of bouncing sounds in its infancy.

  • Notes: Ex libris Professor, Astronomer, Historian & Bibliophile Owen Gingerich.
  • Condition: †4, ††4, a4 (a4 blank & present), A-Z4, Aa-Zz4, AAa-KKk4.

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


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October 23, 2025 10:30 AM EDT
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