Kircher - Arca Noe - 1675

Kircher Athanasius

Noah's Ark compiled into three books.

Amsterdam - 1675 -
At Joannes Janssonius a Waesberge

(16), 240, (16) p. ill, tav. f.t.
In large folio - 39 x 26.5 cm.

Kircher's reconstruction based on scientific principles of the biblical story related to the universal flood.

Splendid imaginative illustrations of the Great Flood from the Bible.

A truly spectacular edition of this fascinating and delightful work of fanciful exegesis, full of curious speculation.
MERRILL 26
NISSEN ZBI 2195

Tables of remarkable beauty and execution
CAILLET 5768

Contains:
brass antiporta
Portrait of Carlo II of Austria, the dedicatee.
of the work, engraved by the Dutch Coenraet Decker.
21 tables and engraved maps (15 on double pages)
Numerous illustrations in the text, including one full-page.

The large depiction of the Ark is still separated, intact, and undamaged, divided as in the original into three double-page panels (see copy in the Alessandrina University Library).

Include depictions of imaginary creatures such as the mermaid, unicorn, and griffin.
Additionally, the Flood, the construction of the Ark, Eden-Paradise, and the world maps are illustrated.

Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Arabic, and Syriac characters are used.

Full opera

Kircher cites specific dates such as the year of the Flood.
The time from the first raindrop until Noah emerged onto dry land, as well as the size and shape of the Ark (considered symbolic of the human body carrying the soul).
the materials with which the Ark was built, the placement of the various animals in the Ark, and
the exclusion of which animals, the landing of the Ark, and the places of dispersion after the Flood

Kircher's goal in 'Arca Noe' was to reconcile recent discoveries in nature and geography with the text of the Bible.
This demonstration of the unity and the underlying truth between revelation and science was a fundamental task of Catholic studies of the time.

Along with its twin volume, 'Turris Babel'.
Noah's Ark presented a comprehensive intellectual project to demonstrate how contemporary science supported the account in the Book of Genesis.

The opera is divided into three volumes.

1 - 'On matters before the Flood,' it recounts the story of Noah before the Genesis flood, the construction of the Ark, the selection of animals to board, and how they were arranged.

2 - 'On those things, which concern the flood itself,' it pertains to the flood and how the Ark was managed during the flood, as well as providing a mystical and allegorical explanation of its meaning, as a vessel that carried the human soul.

3 - 'On the actions of Noah after the Flood,' discuss Noah's deeds following the Flood, compare the lands of the world as they were before and after the Flood, and explain how both people and animals dispersed across the globe.

Beautiful, intact, and sturdy contemporary binding in full leather, with a six-ribbed spine featuring rich decorations as well as the author's name and title in gold.
Decorations, faded but still visible, at the corners.

Very good as well is the preservation of the interiors with compact cards, well anchored and quite clean.
Furniture, unobtrusive, and light floral patterns on the text, recurring in this edition, due to the paper quality.
However, especially, the tables and illustrations are perfectly consultable and enjoyable.
Small marginal tear repaired, away from the text and without paper loss, on page 67 (I2).
Small paper repair with professional restoration at the bottom outer corner of the anti-door, which touches minimally.
the incision, without altering the print.
Antique manuscript ex libris, with initials, on the frontispiece.
Preserved guard shields with polychrome decorations on the front of the guards and the reverse sides.
No card trimming, with cuts originally sprayed with Minio.

Excellent and rare copy, complete and original in every part.
Settled. Complete.