Jacques Besson

Theatrum Instrumentorum et Machinarum

Lyon 1578 Barthelemy Vincent recent ½ calf with marbled boards, spine with 6 compartments of raised bands gilt lettering on two. Text in Latin

“Besson’s work was first published under the title, Instrumentorum et Machinarum…liber primus [Instruments and Machines…, the first book], The first edition printed in Lyon around 1571-1572, was followed by three editions (with the title changed to Theatrum instumentorum et machinarum…), all printed in Lyon in 1578. One was a Latin edition, another was French (Theatre des Instrumens mathematiques & mechaniques…), and a third had a Latin (our edition) and French title page with French text in the preliminary leaves…Besson’s book proved quite popular and went through numerous editions in Latin, French, Italian, Spanish, and German from 1578 to 1602.” (Smithsonian Intitution Libraries) Folio 52 plates, missing the following 8 plates: 17, 50, 51, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60. Pages describing plates 36-60 are missing as well as the errata. 52 copper engraved plates. Plates are generally clean and crisp with the exception of a few which the contemporary on the back has lightly stained the opposing page otherwise in good condition …part of the plates 24 and 56 are missing and is provided in facsimile Adams 838 P. title, privilege, preface, (1), plate explanation (9), 52 plates.

• USD 4,500.00 > other currencies
• ordernr.: 2260

• bookseller: Alexandre Antique Prints, Maps & Books (CANADA)