Mundus subterraneus, in XII libros digestus.
Amsterdam: Joannes Jansson and Elizeus Weyerstraet, 1665. First Edition. Hardcover. Folio - over 12 - 15" tall. Very good condition. Item #019640
Two volumes bound in one. Folio: binding dimensions are approximately 391mm x 236mm. Complete with 2 engraved title pages, 2 engraved portraits, 22 engraved plates and maps of which 14 are double-page, folding or fold-outs, and 7 letterpress tables of which 6 are double page, folding or fold-outs. Additionally, in the first volume this copy contains three volvelles with all elements present and properly assembled at pages 132, 154 and 156. Additionally illustrated with dozens of engraved and wood-engraved illustrations in the text including numerous initials, and head and tail pieces. Text printed in double columns. Folio; height 39cm (15.25 inches). CONDITON: The engraved title page and the letterpress title page have had the top corner repaired with the missing text/illustration area completed in manuscript. The original vellum binding is heavily worn and soiled, with corners strengthened, and rebacked with the original spine laid down. There are dark areas of old adhesive discoloration on the spine, and the original vellum spine is chipping and lifting at the edges of the spine; protected in fitted archival mylar. Starting at page 229 of Vol. I and continuing for 130 pages, and again starting at page 407 of Vol. II there is minor staining to the fore edge, affecting only the margins. The final few pages are creased on the bottom edge, with minor worming to the lower margins of the final 40 pages. COLLATION: Vol. I: Engraved frontisportrait, engraved title page, [ii] title page, engraved portrait, xxvi, 346 pages of text, [vi] pages of index. Vol. II: Engraved title, [x], 487 pages of text, [ix] pages of index. Natural history Pre-Linnean works, volcanoes, alchemy, fireworks, metallurgy, minerals, lapidary, insects, hydraulics, mining, wind power, hydro power, distillation, grafting, herbs, poisons, etc. Includes sections on North America. Ferguson I, 467; Sabin 37967; Shirley, World Maps 436.
Price: $25,000.00