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Details
ISACCHI, Giovanni Battista (b.1536?). Inventioni nelle quali si manifestano varij secreti, & utili auisi a persone di Guerra. Parma: Seth Viotto, 1579.
4o (192 x 145mm). Woodcut printer's device on title, larger device at end, 18 woodcut historiated initials, numerous small foliated and grotesque woodcut initials and tail-pieces, type ornaments, 43 woodcuts, including the arms of the dedicatee, Cornelio Bentivoglio, portrait of the author, two full-page devices and 39 full-page blocks, three signed 'CR'. (First six leaves with upper corners repaired affecting letters on two leaves slightly, two small margin repairs, a little marginal dampstaining at end.) Later Italian vellum. Provenance: P. Soranzo (1742 inscription); unidentified early signature on title; acquired from E.P. Goldschmidt, 1965.
FIRST EDITION of this remarkable 16th-century illustrated work on engineering. It contains over 50 inventions and 'secrets' connected with weapons, firearms, fireworks and numerous mechanical contraptions, including designs for a horseless carriage. Many of the machines shown relate to the art of warfare, but others are for industrial, surveying or even leisure purposes. Perhaps most remarkable are the 'recipes' for fireworks intended for both recreational and military use. Also of note is the principle behind the modern-day telegraph. Isacchi, born at Reggio Emilia, was an engineer and is recorded as being in charge of the decorations for festivals in Bologna, Mantua, Novellara and Reggio. In 1596 he became chief artilleryman for Duke Alfonso II of Mantua. His text is interspersed with addresses to illustrious persons to whom the inventions are dedicated. RARE. Adams, I-190; Brunet, III, 460-1; Cockle, Military Books, 547; Mortimer Italian 242; Riccardi I (1) 651.
4o (192 x 145mm). Woodcut printer's device on title, larger device at end, 18 woodcut historiated initials, numerous small foliated and grotesque woodcut initials and tail-pieces, type ornaments, 43 woodcuts, including the arms of the dedicatee, Cornelio Bentivoglio, portrait of the author, two full-page devices and 39 full-page blocks, three signed 'CR'. (First six leaves with upper corners repaired affecting letters on two leaves slightly, two small margin repairs, a little marginal dampstaining at end.) Later Italian vellum. Provenance: P. Soranzo (1742 inscription); unidentified early signature on title; acquired from E.P. Goldschmidt, 1965.
FIRST EDITION of this remarkable 16th-century illustrated work on engineering. It contains over 50 inventions and 'secrets' connected with weapons, firearms, fireworks and numerous mechanical contraptions, including designs for a horseless carriage. Many of the machines shown relate to the art of warfare, but others are for industrial, surveying or even leisure purposes. Perhaps most remarkable are the 'recipes' for fireworks intended for both recreational and military use. Also of note is the principle behind the modern-day telegraph. Isacchi, born at Reggio Emilia, was an engineer and is recorded as being in charge of the decorations for festivals in Bologna, Mantua, Novellara and Reggio. In 1596 he became chief artilleryman for Duke Alfonso II of Mantua. His text is interspersed with addresses to illustrious persons to whom the inventions are dedicated. RARE. Adams, I-190; Brunet, III, 460-1; Cockle, Military Books, 547; Mortimer Italian 242; Riccardi I (1) 651.