Beschreibung:

BRAHE, Tycho (1546-1601). Astronomiae instauratae mechanica. Nuremberg: Levinus Hulsius, 1602.
BRAHE, Tycho (1546-1601). Astronomiae instauratae mechanica. Nuremberg: Levinus Hulsius, 1602. 2° (307 x 185mm). Title with large engraved portrait of the author standing beneath an arch hung with the arms of the families of Brahe and Bille, 6 large engravings (five of astronomical instruments, one of the observatory at Hven, Uraniborg), 19 large woodcuts (mostly of instruments and one of Uraniborg and one of Stellaborg), and several smaller woodcuts (including a map of the island of Hven), decorative woodcut head- and tailpieces and initials. (Text-block repaired at extremities, last 2 gatherings with tiny marginal wormtrack filled and repaired affecting a few letters to a couple of words on I2, occasional faint spotting.) Modern brown morocco, bevelled edges. Provenance : Cyrus Fontana (purchase inscription dated 29 November 1618 on flyleaf). Second edition (first trade edition). The 1598 edition (see lot 23) was printed in forty copies which Brahe distributed privately. With the exception of the portrait, which is new, and the engraving of an armillary sphere on C6 verso, replacing the original woodcut, the illustrations of this published edition were printed from the blocks and plates of the first edition, sold by the author's heirs to Levinus Hulsius. Dreyer, Tycho Brahe , pp. 260-264 and 370; Houzeau and Lancaster 2703; Norman 320; Sparrow Milestones 29.