Coronelli - Epitome cosmografica - 1693

Coronelli Vincenzo Maria

Cosmographic Epitome

Colony [i.e. Venice] - 1693 -
Andrea Poletti

(30), 420, (16) pp. (plates outside the text).
In 40 - 19.5 x 14 cm. -


Important first edition of Coronelli's scientific treatise, in which his lectures are collected at
The Venetian Academy of the Argonauts that the author had founded in 1684.
RICCARDI I, 273-75
HOUZEAU-LANCASTER 8006

A precious and extremely rare copy to obtain, as it is COMPLETE with all 38 plates, which are listed in detail on pages 419–420.
to the last page of the numbered text, very often removed to conceal the plates that were quite frequently missing.

Also an example in excellent condition, preserved with its intact full leather binding from the period.

Exceptional and in perfect condition, complete with intact and functioning volvelles, the plate printed with two maps (see presentation photo), each with three rotating layers.
On the left side is the Southern Hemisphere as observed from the South Pole, while on the right side is the Northern Hemisphere, captured from the North Pole.
Each map has the same rotating layers: a circular representation of the Hemisphere, a wedge-shaped layer that indicates the time of day, and a strip that shows the horizon and crosses the diameter of the circle.

The star charts are also very interesting; when you observe them, some familiar constellations stand out in the Northern Hemisphere map, such as Ursa Major and Ursa Minor.
Each contains the Big Dipper and the Little Dipper.
In the Southern Hemisphere lies Taucan (or Tucana), a constellation named after the tropical toucan.
On these maps the Milky Way is also present, which runs across the entire map with a light gray stripe.
The Western Hemisphere is of extreme interest, with the northwestern part of the continent appearing empty.
Moreover, California is drawn as an island.

Also particularly captivating are the etchings of two different models of the solar system: for example the Ptolemaic model, with the Earth at the center of the solar system.
This vision was replaced, during the Renaissance, by the Copernican model, which placed the Sun at the center.

The work is divided into three books: the first concerns astronomy and the use of the compass; the second deals with Earth geography and natural phenomena, while the third describes globes, armillary spheres, and astrolabes, created by the same Coronelli.

Coronelli was an Italian cosmographer and cartographer, particularly famous for his globes, both celestial and terrestrial.
Cosmography was a primitive branch of science concerned with mapping the cosmos, i.e., what was known as heaven and earth.

The "Epitome Cosmografica" by Coronelli, cosmographer of the Most Serene Republic of Venice, is the work that represents the practical and theoretical synthesis of the vast cartographic body of work that the author will undertake in his lifetime.
(1650-1718).

Excellent, compact period binding in full sprayed leather, with an old paper manuscript, probably contemporaneous and bearing author and title, affixed to the spine.
Two pass-through laces kept on the back.

Very well preserved interiors, with fresh, clean sheets, including the 38 splendid plates, six of which (circular) have been folded several times and are intact.
Small paper reinforcements, on contemporary laid paper, at the joints/folds where four folded maps meet (on the back).
(The potential buyer is advised to exercise particular care and attention
in accompanying the opening/closing at the point where the paper reinforcements are present,
preserving the current integrity of the maps, in order to avoid careless tearing).
Cuts sprayed with a minium brush.
Original guards preserved, with an elegant inked ex-libris on the recto of the front guard.

A copy extremely rarely available in such an excellent state of preservation, complete and original in every part.
From a museum exhibit.
Settled. Complete.