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ALDE

232 - BASSANTIN (Jacques). Astronomical discourse. Lyon, Jean de T…
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Estimate €8,000 - €10,000
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Description
BASSANTIN (Jacques). Astronomical discourse. Lyon, Jean de Tournes, 1557. In-folio, ivory vellum, cold-stamped fillets and black fleurons at the corners and centre, spine decorated in the same manner (contemporary binding). First edition of the most important treatise on astronomy published in France in the 16th century. The work, printed by Jean de Tournes, is decorated with his mark with the Sower on the title and the Lake of Love at the end of the volume, initials with a sifted background, tables and numerous geometric and astronomical figures in the text, including 14 large diagrams with scrolls and cords (comprising 24 movable parts out of 36). Copies complete with all their moving parts are extremely rare. Of Scottish origin, James Bassantin (1500-1568) came to France accompanying the court of the future Queen Mary Stuart; it was in Paris that he continued the studies he had begun in Glasgow, teaching mathematics and astronomy until 1562. He wrote his Astronomical Discourse in French as a gift for Queen Catherine de Medici, who was passionate about astrology, on the occasion of the Dauphin's marriage to Mary Stuart. He had it printed by Jean de Tournes (1504-1564), one of the most famous printers of his time. The work consists of five parts entitled respectively: Traité succinct et familier pour venir a l'intelligence des tables des Sinus; Traité des triangles; De la Sphere du Monde; Théorique des cieus, mouvements, et termes pratiquez des sept planettes; Pratique des mouvements celestes. From the libraries of Claude Fèvre, canon and cantor of the collegiate church of Saint-Maurice de Salins, then of Étienne Garnier, priest of the church of Saint-Anatoile de Salins-les-Bains in 1683, with handwritten bookplates on the title. Due to a pagination error (p. 281 num. 241 [f. N1]), our copy does not contain five quires of the Pratique du mouvement céleste (sign. H-M4), nor folio N2 (pp. 283-[284]). This pagination error, which has been corrected in most copies, is indicative of an unbound state of the folio. This copy is missing 12 loose parts. Some damage to the binding with small tears on one spine; paper reinforcement in the inner margin of the title; soiling on the first four leaves; worm gallery in the margin of the first five leaves; light wetness at the bottom of the leaves of the first part; tear without missing p. 95; last endpaper slightly creased. Brunet, I, 692 - Cartier, II, 357 - Cartier, n°357 - Mortimer, n°47 - Gültlingen, IX, 368.
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About the sale Antiquarian books from the 15th to the 19th century - Astronomy
Auction location
Auction time 06/24/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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