Bidspirit auction | Tzurat HaAretz and Kitzur Melechet

Tzurat HaAretz and Kitzur Melechet HaMispar – Basel, 1546 – First Edition of Tzurat HaAretz – Many Astronomical Illustrations and Diagrams – Especially Fine Copy in Elaborate Binding - Tzurat HaAretz VeTavnit Kadurei HaRakia, by R. Avraham son of R. Chiya of Spain, with Kitzur Melechet HaMispar by R. Eliyah Mizrachi, Sphaera Mundi, autore Rabbi Abrahamo Hispano filio R. Haijae, Arithmetica secundum omnes species suas autore Rabbi Elija Orientali. Bilingual Hebrew-Latin edition, edited and translated by Sebastian Münster and Erasmus Oswald Schreckenfuchs. Basel: Heinrich Petri, 1546. First edition of Tzurat HaAretz. Especially fine copy, in old elaborate leather binding, with gilt decorations and original color endpaper. Initial panels illustrated with fine woodcuts in Latin part. Tzurat HaAretz is one of the first and most important astronomical treatises printed in Hebrew, and it comprises tens of different astronomical illustrations and diagrams. The present edition also includes Kitzur Melechet HaMispar, on arithmetic, which is an abridgment of Sefer HaMispar by R. Eliyah Mizrachi (Constantinople, 1533). Both works are included in the Hebrew original and Latin translation. The Hebrew part, printed right to left, has Tzurat HaAretz with Latin notes by Sebastian Münster and Kitzur Melechet HaMispar (with divisional title page) with Latin notes by Münster and Erasmus Oswald Schreckenfuchs. The Latin part, printed left to right, has Latin translations of both parts, edited by Schreckenfuchs. Bilingual title pages at beginning of Hebrew and Latin parts (title page at beginning of Latin part in black and red, featuring an illustration of the globe at the center of the title page). After the main title page and Latin introduction is another title page for both works. This title page is partially folding, with a fine, large illustration of the earth and the pathways of the stars and constellations around it. Printer's device at end of Hebrew and Latin parts. Latin inscription on title page of Hebrew part. Inscriptions within text and handwritten glosses (Latin) to margins of several leaves. [5], 351, [1] pages; [9], 207, [1] pages. 18 cm. Bright, high-quality paper. Gilt edges. Good condition. Light stains. Marginal tears to several leaves. Fine leather binding with original color endpaper. Minor defects to binding. Joseph Prijs, Basle, no. 75.