60 - CAMERARIUS, Joachim. Three Centuries of Symbols and Emblems. I. From Herbs and Plants. II. From Four-Legged Animals. III. From Birds and Insects. Second, expanded, and more accurate edition. A fourth centuria has been newly added: From aquatic creatures and reptiles.

CAMERARIUS, Joachim. Three Centuries of Symbols and Emblems. I. From Herbs and Plants. II. From Four-Legged Animals. III. From Birds and Insects. Second, expanded, and more accurate edition. A fourth centuria has been newly added: From aquatic creatures and reptiles. The first complete collected edition of one of the most influential natural history compendia of the 17th century. S.l. [Heidelberg], Typis Voegelinianis, 1605. 4 parts in 1 large in-4 volume (200 x 140 mm), full brown calfskin, ribbed spine, richly decorated panels with small gilt ironwork, brown leather title label, red edges. [6] ff. (title, preface) and 102 ff.; 103 and [1] f. (errata); [2] ff. and 102 ff., [1] f. (notices and errata); [5] ff. (title page, preface) and 101 ff. 4 frontispiece title pages and 400 engravings (100 per century). Normal wear and tear; spine fragile with a tear along the lower edge; cap ends worn down; wormholes in the inner margins of the last fifty leaves (without affecting the text); a few leaves browned; rare foxing. Complete first collected edition bringing together all 4 centuries. It contains 4 copper-engraved frontispiece titles with architectural and allegorical decoration (animals, sea monsters, flora) and a remarkable collection of 400 circular emblems finely etched in the text by Johann Siebmacher (c. 1561–1612). This beautiful German book of emblems, by Joachim Kammermeister, known as Camerarius (1534–1598)—a renowned physician and botanist from Nuremberg—was published under the direction of his son Ludwig Camerarius and includes, for the first time, the fourth century dedicated to aquatic animals and reptiles, which remained unpublished at the time of the author’s death. The collection provides a comprehensive picture of the living world during the Renaissance, blending scientific observations, moral lessons, and symbolic allegories. Century I explores the plant kingdom (trees, plants, and flowers) as a metaphor for growth and spiritual patience; Century II features terrestrial mammals and legendary creatures (lions, unicorns) to personify human vices and virtues; Century III focuses on birds (eagles, phoenixes) and insects, symbols of the soul’s elevation and power; and finally, Century IV is devoted to the aquatic world and crawling animals (whales, snails) to evoke caution in the face of hidden dangers. Handwritten bookplate with erasures on the general title page. Copy in good condition.