MAUROLYCO, Francesco

Cosmographia . . . in tres dialogos distincta

      Venice:: [Haeredes L. A. Giunta, January],, 1543 [December, 1542].. FIRST EDITION. . 4to.. Woodcut printer's device on title and verso of colophon, historiated initials and text diagrams throughout. Our copy includes the rare 4-leaf "Ad Lectorem," a list of the astronomical parameters culled from various authorities. Eighteenth-century tree calf, rebacked with the original elaborate gilt spine laid down; covers and spine lightly worn, lower margin of title strengthened and a few leaves soiled. First edition of this outstanding astronomical treatise containing a discussion of the earth's revolution on its axis -- no doubt an allusion to Copernicus, and a remarkably early one, since his great work was printed the same year (1543). It is therefore interesting to note that the main part of this work was in fact completed October 21, 1535 at Messina (f. 103). However, the preface, a dedicatory letter to Cardinal Bembo, is dated February 5, 1540, the "Ad Lectorem" (lacking in most copies) is dated December 5, 1542, and the publishing date is 1543.#11;This work is also valuable for its connection with early Americana; several references are made to the discovery of America and the voyages of Columbus and Vespucci.#11;Maurolico (1494-1575) is described by Sarton as one of the most remarkable men of the Renaissance. He made major contributions to the fields of astronomy, mathematics, optics, music, and geodesy (see Arnaldo Masotti, DSB, IX, pp. 190-94).