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Details
FONTANA, Francesco (1602-1656). Novae coelestium, terrestriumque rerum observationes. Naples: Gassari, 1646.
4o (207 x 144 mm). Etched title within architectural border (small marginal repair), etched portrait of Fontana, 27 etchings (one folding, some full page), 26 woodcuts, numerous woodcut initials, head- and tail-pieces. (Two blank fore-corners torn away, lacks blank V4.) Modern stamped brown morocco, edges gilt.
FIRST EDITION. It contains the first printed account of spots on the surface of Mars, as well as Fontana's claims to the discovery of the telescope and microscope. Houzeau & Lancaster II:1328; Riccardi I:467 ("Raro ed apprezzato"). VERY RARE.
4o (207 x 144 mm). Etched title within architectural border (small marginal repair), etched portrait of Fontana, 27 etchings (one folding, some full page), 26 woodcuts, numerous woodcut initials, head- and tail-pieces. (Two blank fore-corners torn away, lacks blank V4.) Modern stamped brown morocco, edges gilt.
FIRST EDITION. It contains the first printed account of spots on the surface of Mars, as well as Fontana's claims to the discovery of the telescope and microscope. Houzeau & Lancaster II:1328; Riccardi I:467 ("Raro ed apprezzato"). VERY RARE.