1395 - STOEFLER, Johann. An Explanation of the Construction and Use of the Astrolabe by Johann Stoflerino of Jüsten, a German: and the Entire Work, Recently Ingeniously Compiled and Published by the Most Learned in Spherical Sciences, Oppenheim 1513, colophon at the end: “Impressum Oppenheim p[er] Jacobum Köbel. r.c. 1512.” In-folio, gilt calfskin (wear, upper hinge broken), 12 + 78ff, [1 section signed I–XII], A–N6; numbered [12] I–LVII, engraved title-page border and numerous woodcut illustrations, including twenty-two full-page ones, ff. viv; ixv; xviv; xxir with paper extensions. Several quires browned.

STOEFLER, Johann. An Explanation of the Construction and Use of the Astrolabe by Johann Stoflerino of Jüsten, a German: and the Entire Work, Recently Ingeniously Compiled and Published by the Most Learned in Spherical Sciences, Oppenheim 1513, colophon at the end: “Impressum Oppenheim p[er] Jacobum Köbel. r.c. 1512.” In-folio, gilt calfskin (wear, upper hinge broken), 12 + 78ff, [1 section signed I–XII], A–N6; numbered [12] I–LVII, engraved title-page border and numerous woodcut illustrations, including twenty-two full-page ones, ff. viv; ixv; xviv; xxir with paper extensions. Several quires browned. Provenance H. Caminiani 1560 (signature on the flyleaf) Samuel Verplanck Hoffmann (engraved bookplate) New York Historical Society, Christie’s auction, London, November 12, 1975, lot 120 First edition of the most influential and popular work on the astrolabe of the sixteenth century, with at least ten editions and two editions of a French translation. The work owes much of its authority to the fact that Stoeffler, although a priest, was also a self-taught astronomer who made his own globes, spheres, and astrolabes. Beginning in 1511, he held the chair of mathematics and astronomy at the University of Tübingen. The Koebel printing house was the first press established in Oppenheim. Adams S1886; H & L 3256 Provenance: library of Jean-Nérée RONFORT (1943–2012)