Tabulae astronomicae - photo 1

Tabulae astronomicae

Lot 64
28.01.2025 00:00UTC +00:00
Classic
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CHRISTIE'S
AuctioneerCHRISTIE'S
Event locationUnited Kingdom, London
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ID 1360780
Lot 64 | Tabulae astronomicae
Estimate value
$ 15 000 – 25 000
ALPHONSUS X, King of Castile and Leon (1221-1284). Tabulae astronomicae. – Johannes DANCK (fl. first half 14th century). Canones in tabulas Alphonsi. [Venice]: Erhard Ratdolt, 4 July 1483.

First edition of the Toledan Tables of the Cordoban astronomer al-Zarqali (c.1029-c.1087), known as the Alphonsine tables after the patron who commissioned their translation. This Latin version, which circulated widely in the Middle Ages, was translated from an earlier Spanish version that is now lost. It is the most famous of the numerous translations of Arabic scientific, legal, and magical treatises commissioned by Alfonso "el Sabio". Although the translation contains new observations made from 1262 and 1272, it follows the overall format of al-Zarqali's compilation and adheres to the Ptolemaic system for explaining celestial motion. The present text follows a revised version of the tables completed in the early 14th century; Ratdolt included with it the first appearance of John (Danck) of Saxony's almost equally popular canons, written in 1327, which completed the Alphonsine tables in several areas, including supplementary tables of the eclipses and several chapters on the latitudes of the planets. H *868; BMC V, 287; BSB-Ink T-6; Bod-inc A-220; IGI 399; Klebs 501.1; Redgrave 34; Houzeau & Lancaster 12487; Norman 36; Goff A-534.

Median quarto (209 x 155mm). 94 leaves. Title printed in red and black, woodcut initials, woodcut diagrams in text (intermittent light marginal stains, dampstain through end of book beginning at quire g affecting gutter/lower margin and touching some text, a little worming at margins). Modern limp vellum. Provenance: early marginalia and 4 pp. manuscript notes at end (inscription "Johannes / Di gracia filio") – Owen Gingerich (bookplate).
Place of origin:Italy
Auction house category:Antiquarian books, Printed books
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