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Almagestum Novum, Giovanni Battista Riccioli. First Edition.

Almagestum Novum, Giovanni Battista Riccioli. First Edition.

Almagestum Novum, Giovanni Battista Riccioli. First Edition.

Almagestum Novum, Giovanni Battista Riccioli. First Edition.

Almagestum Novum, Giovanni Battista Riccioli. First Edition.

Almagestum Novum, Giovanni Battista Riccioli. First Edition.

Almagestum Novum, Giovanni Battista Riccioli. First Edition.

Almagestum Novum, Giovanni Battista Riccioli. First Edition.

Almagestum Novum, Giovanni Battista Riccioli. First Edition.

Almagestum Novum, Giovanni Battista Riccioli. First Edition.

Almagestum Novum, Giovanni Battista Riccioli. First Edition.

Almagestum Novum, Giovanni Battista Riccioli. First Edition.

Almagestum Novum, Giovanni Battista Riccioli. First Edition.

Almagestum Novum, Giovanni Battista Riccioli. First Edition.

Almagestum Novum, Giovanni Battista Riccioli. First Edition.

Almagestum Novum, Giovanni Battista Riccioli. First Edition.

Almagestum Novum, Giovanni Battista Riccioli. First Edition.

Almagestum Novum, Giovanni Battista Riccioli. First Edition.

Almagestum Novum, Giovanni Battista Riccioli. First Edition.

Almagestum Novum, Giovanni Battista Riccioli. First Edition.

Almagestum Novum, Giovanni Battista Riccioli. First Edition.

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Almagestum Novum, Giovanni Battista Riccioli

First edition of Riccioli’s monumental astronomical compendium, one of the great scientific books of the seventeenth century. Issued in two substantial folio volumes, the Almagestum Novum brings together the astronomical learning of the age in an ambitious synthesis at once observational, mathematical, historical, and polemical. Particularly celebrated are the two large folding lunar maps after Francesco Maria Grimaldi, engraved by Domenico Fontana and bound in the first volume, among the most important early selenographic images of the period. The work is further embellished with engraved frontispieces by Francesco Curti, dedication leaves with engraved arms, and numerous text illustrations throughout.

"Riccioli's scientific career epitomized the conflict between the old astronomy and the new: as a Jesuit committed to church doctrine, Riccioli was among the most vehement opponents of Copernican and Galilean theory, but as an astronomer, Riccioli recognized that Copernican theory provided the simplest and best mathematical model of the solar system. His Almagestum novum was the first to state that no water existed on the moon and it also introduced the tradition of naming lunar formations after prominent scientists and philosophers." (Norman, 1826)

Bologna: Heirs of Vittorio Benatio, 1651. Complete in two volumes, folio, bound in contemporary vellum over boards, manuscript spine titles reading “Ricciolo / Almagestũ,” with volume designations and early shelf markings to upper spine. Engraved frontispieces in each volume by Francesco Curti; dedication leaves with engraved arms; numerous text illustrations throughout; and two large folding lunar maps after Francesco Maria Grimaldi, engraved by Domenico Fontana and bound in the first volume. Pagination: Vol. I: [12], xlvii, [1], 763, [1]; Vol. II: [6], xviii, 675, [1].

Bindings firm and secure, the structure firm and well-preserved, suggesting early or minor reinforcement. Light general wear and rubbing to vellum with scattered soiling. With later institutional stamps of an Italian Liceo Ginnasiale (“Principe Umberto”) to the title of the first volume and dedication leaf of the second. Second volume dedication toned and dust soiled, light chipping and worm tracks to endpapers, rest of text presents with scattered toning and dust soiling, foxing, wear and a few dampstains, else internally remarkably clean and well-preserved. A very nice copy of this landmark work.

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