71

Libert Froidmont (1587-1653)

Sammelband of Three First Editions.

1631, 1627 & 1631.
Thick quarto-format volume containing:

1) Labyrinthus sive de Compositione Continui Liber Unus, Antwerp: Ex Officina Plantiniana, Balthasaris Moreti, 1631.

2) Meteorologicorum Libri Sex, Antwerp: Ex officina Plantiniana, apud Balthasarem Moretum & Viduam Ioannis Moreti, & Io. Meursium, 1627.

3) Ant-Aristarchus sive Orbis-Terrae Immobilis, Antwerp: Ex officina Plantiniana Balthasaris Moreti, 1631; illustrated with text diagrams; all three works are rare at auction; binding and contents nicely preserved; handwritten biography of the author tacked to the first title page; library stamps to first title page with de-accession mark and on a few text pages (those ending with -01, i.e., 101, 201) and final leaf; old German school stamp to verso of first title: Ex Biblioth: Gymnasii Regii Joachimici; 9 x 7 in.


"Froidmont played an interesting role in the reception of Copernicanism in the Netherlands. [...] Froidmont began to take a closer look at Copernicanism when a Dutch astronomer, Philippe van Lansberge, began to argue strongly in favor of a sun-centered universe, especially in his 1630 book, Commentationes in motum terræ diurnum & annuum (Commentaries on the daily and annual motion of the Earth) [...].  Lansberge was an unabashed Copernican, but he was also a Protestant, so didn't have to concern himself with decrees of the Inquisition.  Froidmont disagreed with the dogmatism of Lansberge, and he wrote a response, Ant-Aristarchus (Against Aristarchus [an ancient philosopher who proposed a sun-centered universe], 1631).  We do not have this work in our collection, but Froidmont apparently argued that there are many logical reasons, and much evidence from our senses, that makes the motion of the Earth a difficult proposition." (Quoted from William B. Ashworth Jr.'s article on Froidmont written for the Linda Hall Library website: https://www.lindahall.org/about/news/scientist-of-the-day/libert-froidmont/)

  • Notes: Ex libris Professor, Astronomer, Historian & Bibliophile Owen Gingerich.
  • Condition: 1) *4, **2, A-Z4, Aa4, Bb6. 2) *4, **2, A-Z4, Aa-Zz4, Aaa-Iii4 (Iii4 blank & present). 3) *4, **2, A-O4.

    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