Search Results: Authors starting with P from Asher Rare Books

[2], XXVIII; [4], 98; [6], 36 pp.First edtions of an illustrated work on cryptogams in Germany. The work consists of three parts, dealing respectively with "Flechten" (lichens), "Pilze" (fungi) and "Lebermoose" (liverworts or hepatics). The first part on lichens was written by the German botanists Walther Otto Müller (1833-1887) and Gustav Pabst (d. 1911), while the other two parts were written by Pabst alone. Each part gives taxonomic descriptions of the cryptogams, of which many are shown in the plates. Due to its accurate coloured lithographs of fungi, showing a wide variety of them, the second part is considered to be the most valuable. "Das beste unter den weniger umfangreichen Abbildungswerken deutschen Cryptogamen. Die Illustrationen sind so scharf, das sie Kupferstich ähneln" (Junk). Slightly browned throughout with some occasional foxing in the first and the third part, only affecting a few of the plates. Binding worn along the extremities. Otherwise in very good condition.l Junk, Rara 17;… Read More

XVI, 372 pp.First British edition, published in the same year as the first American edition, of a detailed narrative of the wreck of the 260 ton American ship Oswego off the coast of Africa near the Canary Islands on 28 March 1800 and the capture of the captain and crew by a party of seven armed Islamic hunters armed with guns and daggers. It was written by the ship's Quaker captain Judah Paddock, whose detailed description of their months in captivity provides a wealth of information about Islamic culture in a region where few Europeans or Americans had ever ventured. Their captors forced them to march inland through the desert for five or six days, where they sold the white prisoners to nomadic shepherds but chose to keep the two black prisoners for their own use and departed with them. With minor foxing (mostly in the title-page and final leaf), some worm damage in the gutter fold of the first and last quire, and a few leaves with a corner torn off, but still in good condition. Binding with a small… Read More

[46], [2 blank] pp.The rare first significant publication (extremely rare with the folding woodcut plate) by the Veronese astronomer Giovanni Padovani (ca. 1512-ca. 1590), explaining the use of his “horoscopio”, also known as a nocturnal or a horologium nocturnum, which he presents as his new invention. The folding plate contains two woodcuts for the owner to cut out and assemble (they could be pasted on paperboard or thin wood) to make two astronomical instruments that allow one to determine time by the sun, moon or stars. The plate may have been an option for those who could afford it, but many owners no doubt removed it in order to use it, as intended. The entire plate is lacking in nearly all copies, including those of the British Library and the Biblioteca Nazionale Naples, viewable on the Internet. Giuliari refers to “la figura incisa sul legno”, but we have seen only one clear reference to a copy that includes the plate, at the Biblioteca Nacional in Madrid: “[1] h. de grab. pleg.” (the… Read More

Engraved half-title + [16], 205, [3] pp. + plates.First and only Dutch edition (very rare second and last issue) of a great classic of French fortification by Blaise François Pagan (1604-1665), first published in French in 1645 and here based on the greatly revised and expanded German edition by Johan Jacob Wertmüller, published in 1684. Pagan was a major influence on Vauban, but Vauban's advances in the 1670s rendered the older manual out of date. Wertmüller's 1684 Frankfurt edition brought it up to date, giving it new life for seventy years. The present edition, the last in any language, was first published by Joan Block in The Hague in 1738 and is here reissued with a cancel title-page but with the same engraved half-title, though the title-page calls it a second edition. We have located only one other copy of the 1745 issue, at Leiden University Library.With manuscript notes on the half-title and title-page. With marginal water stains at the lower outside corner and many plates and text quires… Read More

[4], XIX, [1 blank], 168, [2] pp.Rare offprint of a study of the shells of Madeira. It was originally published in Academia Real da Sciencias, nova serie IV, 1, and includes here its own title-wrapper and one additional page with quotations from Psalm 103, Isaac Newton and Castello de Paiva. Some repairs to the front wrapper and some spots to the plates, otherwise in good condition.l BMC NH, p. 1499.

Complete set of the second edition of a monumental bibliography concerning Spanish America, together with the first edition of the alphabetical index, making a total of 35 volumes. The main bibliography (excluding the index) was originally published in 7 volumes from 1923 to 1945 and revised for the present edition.The Spanish bookseller and bibliographer Antonio Palau y Dulcet (1867-1954), did extensive research and included books from various sources, including booksellers' and library catalogues. It includes all basic information regarding a work, and in special cases Palau added an explanatory comment, sometimes including prices. It contains a total of 381,897 numbered works.Another Addenda & corrigenda was published in 1990 and is not included the present set (as usual). In very good condition, wholly untrimmed and almost completely unopened.

67, [1 blank], 78, [2 blank], 46, [1], [1 blank], 133, [1], [2 blank] pp.Second edition of a one of the most influential texts on Renaissance architecture, first published (with the same woodcuts) in 1570. It is divided into four books that cover a range of topics, including: the choice of materials, construction techniques and the various architectural orders; a series of architectural projects by Andrea Palladio, including city palaces, villas and other buildings; the construction of streets, bridges, squares and basilicas; and surveys of ancient Roman buildings. This work secured Palladio’s as once of the most influential sources for Western architecture, his works being valued for their high Renaissance calm and harmony. The elements of Italian Renaissance architecture had already been used by other architects before Palladio, but his innovative refinements created his own new and distinctive style.The first book of his present four books of architecture, dedicated to Giacomo Angarano, discusses… Read More

XXXVI, 37-50, 654 pp.First edition of the Dutch translation of a detailed work on corals and sponges by the German zoologist and botanist Peter Simon Pallas (1741-1811). In this work, originally entitled Elenchus zoophytorum sistensbgenerum adumbrationes generaliores, first published as a part of Pallas's Miscellanea zoologica, Pallas presents an innovative classification of corals and sponges just after they had been transferred from the plant to the animal kingdom. The Dutch naturalist translator Pieter Boddaert (1694-1760) added some of his own observations and made the drawings for the copperplates. In 1766 Pallas published his Miscellanea Zoologica, which included the descriptions of several new vertebrates, which he had discovered in Dutch museum collections. His new system of animal classification was praised by Georges Cuvier and others.Some black spots on the first 15 leaves, not affecting the text, a small marginal water stain near the end and a large stain on pp. 289-304 and 548-560 from a… Read More

XXXII, 438; XVI, 452 pp. ; 55 ll.Very rare account by Peter Simon Pallas (1741-1811) of his second expedition to Russia in 1793-1794. This time he studied the southern provinces of Russia, especially the steppes near the Caspian Sea, the northern Caucasus, the Crimea and the Black Sea. Although Pallas published an extensive account in German of his second expedition in 1799-1801, it never gained as much attention as the first expedition to Russia and Siberia (1768-1774). The present work is the French translation of this German account.In this account of his travel to South Russia, the Crimea and the Black Sea, Pallas not only describes his route through the Russian Empire, he also - as a geologist and naturalist - gives an excellent physical and topographical description of the landscape. He notes the differences in the landscapes he faces along his way, not only differences in nature, but also how these Crimean landscapes have historically changed over years. He describes their historical geological… Read More

[8], 24, [2] pp.First and only edition of a curious love emblem book by the notorious Ferrante Pallavicini (1618-1644), an Italian writer of lampoons and satires which were so popular that booksellers and printers bought them from him at a premium. Pallavicino's scandalous satires, which cost him his head at the age of 25, were all published under pseudonyms or anonymously. On the title he is referred to as "Professeur des langues etrangeres".There are 24 pages with six small circular emblems after Jan van Vianen. The emblems are derived from the emblems in the works of Jacob Cats, Daniel Heinsius' Emblemata amatoria, Otto van Veen's Amorum emblemata and Crispijn de Passe's Thronus Cupidinis. Each emblem has an engraved French motto and is accompanied on the facing page by translations of the motto in Latin, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, English and German. French stanzas supplement these mottoes. Though the emblems are derived from other sources, the text is entirely original. Émile Bosquet (1834-1912)… Read More

Lithographic title-page plus 52 plates.Very rare and beautiful album containing 52 tinted lithographs of South American scenes with interior and exterior views showing people (of European, indigenous American and African ancestry), buildings, animals and landscapes in Argentina (44), Brazil (4), Chile (2), Bolivia (1) and Uruguay (1). Many show street, shop and household scenes, many others show rural, ranching or itinerant life in the plains, forests or mountains, several show Argentinian gauchos. Each has a lithographed caption in Spanish. With very minor foxing in a couple prints but otherwise fine. Head and foot of spine damaged, but binding otherwise very good. An impressive and very rare album capturing 19th-century daily life in Argentina, Brazil and elsewhere in South America.l Borba de Moraes, p. 648 ("very rare"); KVK & Worldcat (1 copy described without location, lacking 1 plate); Palau 211114 (lacking 1 plate); not in Sabin.

[72] pp, some leaves printed on one side only.Rare 19th-century album with lithographed plates after a 17th-century manuscript with a Swedish account of the Russian State by Erich Palmquist. Palmquist was captain of fortifications in Swedish service. In 1673-1674 he was part of a Swedish delegation that went to Russia headed by Gustaf Oksensherna. Palmquist was tasked with collecting information concerning Russia’s roads and infrastructure, architecture and technical equipment (including weapons). When he returned to Sweden, he compiled the album reproduced here, including several drawings and maps, to report his findings. Sweden’s National Archives retain the original manuscript album, dated 1674, a unique source for information about 17th century Russia and its architecture, infrastructure, civilisation and technology, is surprisingly little known. Limited to an edition of 50 copies, printed in 1898. Copy no. 1 was given to the King of Sweden, no. 2 to the Tsar of Russia. The present copy is no.… Read More

5 engraved titles, 2 engraved ll. with explanatory text, and 4 engraved and 4 letterpres pp.Fine set of the rarest of great French gardening books by Pierre Panseron (ca. 1736-1787), a well-known Paris architect and Royal engraver. The Recueil de jardinage is divided into many smaller parts, which were also sold separately. Panseron had studied with the great French architect Jacques François Blondel and had been building inspector for the Prince de Conti and professor of drawing at the Royal Military Academy before he settled at Paris as a private tutor of architecture and drawing. He published a number of architectural and gardening atlases, whose full catalogues are added to volume four, both in letterpress and on engraved leaves. All plates were designed and engraved by Panseron. The plates of the present works are printed on strong paper with slightly bluish cast, some of it by Arthaud in Auvergne. They present a rich and wonderful survey of garden landscaping, art and architecture in France in… Read More

[8], 145, [1 blank] pp.First edition in French, of an account of the Jesuit mission in China, written by the Spanish Jesuit Diego de Pantoja (1571-1618). Pantoja was sent to Japan in 1596, but ended up in China, where he accompanied Matthieu Ricci (1552-1610), establishing the Jesuit mission in Beijing. "In 1602 Pantoja wrote an account of the progress of the Chinese mission in a letter from Peking to Luis de Guzman, the provincial of Toledo. It was to become one of the most popular and widely read of the Jesuit letterbooks: an extract was printed by Guerreiro in 1603, then it was published in full at Seville in 1605. Apart from detailing the progress of Ricci's expedition, it also provides some of the most accurate information on China to be found in the first half of the seventeenth century" (Howgego).With a small blank slip on the title-page covering an owner's inscription. Title-page with a restoration in the outer margin, just touching the woodcut device, an inkstain on the opening flyleaf and… Read More

VII, 297 pp.First edition of a French-Japanese dictionary written by Edmond Papinot (b. 1860), an apostolic missionary. The goal of Papinot's work was to give summary information on the principal names that can be found in the history and geography of Japan. He includes the names and genealogy of all the emperors and empresses of Japan, the nengo, the names of the mountains higher than 2000 meters, the most important rivers and cities of more than 20,000 inhabitants, but also a list of the shogun, a genealogy of the Taira, Minamoto, Ashikaga, Tokugawa, a tabel of buddhist sectes, a list of the provinces and departments, the signs and elements of the zodiac, and a table of the months and seasons. Binding discoloured and back hinge cracked; head and foot of spine slightly damaged. In good condition.l BM Cat, col. 591; Cordier, Bibliotheca Japonica, cols. 693-694; Nipponalia 697.

319, [1 blank] pp.Fourth edition (third edition printed by Plantin) of the Latin translation of the emblem books by Claude Paradin (1510-1573) and Gabriel Symeon (1509-1575). "The generalist collections of devices of Paradin and Simeoni, for example, which were first published in the 1550's, enjoyed enduring popularity throughout the second half of the sixteenth century, and this lasted well into the seventeenth century also ..." (Saunders). Paradin and Symeon each published a very popular emblem book, both written in French, which Plantin combined and published in both the original French and in Latin translation. The present edition was translated by Johannes Gubernator. Each woodcut is accompanied by a motto, followed by an explanation.With a small restoration to the foot of the title-page and some spots to the title-page and last blank, otherwise in good condition. Binding with some minor wear along the extremities, but otherwise very good.l Landwehr, Emblem books Low Countries 470; Praz, p. 445;… Read More

[16], CXXXII, 268, XXXIV, [6] pp.Fourth edition of the official pharmacopoeia of Paris, in 1639 first compiled and edited by Philippe de Hardouin de Saint-Jacques (d. 1659), dean of the faculty of medicine at the University of Paris, with a second edition in 1745. The third edition was edited by Hyacinthe-Theodor Baron, also printed by Guillaume Cavalier, in 1732. The following fifth and sixth editions - perhaps the most well-known - were edited by Jean Baptist Nicolas Boyer, and printed by Cavalier in 1758 and 1760.With two erased ownership entries (one dated 1786) on the title-page and another owner's inscription (the initials "F.M." of an apparently later owner). Binding a little worn, especially the head and bottom of the spine, corners a little bumped, otherwise in good condition.l Hélène Lehmann, ‘The Codex Medicamentarius seu Pharmacopoea Parisiensis - 5th edition of 1758’.

56, 26, 111, [1 blank], 4, 20, 56, 22, [2 blank], 115, [1 blank], 43, [1 blank], 10, [2 blank], 16, [4], 16 pp.Collection of laws, privileges and jurisprudence relating to the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Paris up to 1672. Most concern the publication of certain books, the relationship of the Faculty with several guilds and the rules concerning the autopsy of corpses.The book opens with the university reform of 1600, which added many classical authors to the curriculum. For the Faculty of Medicine this meant the official establishment of Galen as the primary authority on botanical medicines. Interest in the work of Galen was highly stimulated by new translations from the Greek that had appeared in the 16th century and by 1600 the Paris Faculty was heavily mired in the doctrines of Galen, which would remain so up until the 18th century.With a few contemporary annotations and corrections. Paper somewhat browned and with a few spots. A small corner of p. 11 of the index is cut out. Pp. 17-44… Read More

12, LVI, 344; [4], 309, [1 blank] pp.First edition of the French translation of the best of the unofficial accounts of Cook's first voyage, followed by an extensive summary of Cook's second and third voyages which takes up most of the second volume. Sydney Parkinson (1745?-1771) was engaged by Sir Joseph Banks to accompany him in the Endeavour to the South Seas, as natural history draughtsman. He made numerous botanical drawings as well as landscapes, portraits of local chiefs etc. "Banks spoke highly of his "unbounded industry" in making for him a much larger collection of drawings than he anticipated. His observations, too, were valuable, and the vocabularies of South Sea languages given in the journal are of great interest" (Hill).Parkinson died on January 26, 1771, on the homeward voyage, and was buried at sea. By the terms of his will, his brother Stanfield claimed all of his drawings and proceeded to make preparations, with the assistence of Dr. Kenrick, for a rival publication to Hawkesworth's… Read More

XII, 333, [2], [1 blank] pp.First edition of the Dutch translation of Parry's account of his voyage in search of the Northwest Passage. Having sailed to the Arctic under John Ross, the English naval officer William Edward Parry (1790-1855) believed that Lancaster Sound could provide the opening to the western sea. Equipped with two ships, the Hecla and the Gripper, he set out to confirm his suspicion in 1819. Parry discovered Prince Regent's Inlet, Melville Sound, and Banks Island, and surveyed the south shores of Barrow Strait. He reached 110° West longitude, but ice halted further westward advance. Parry commanded two further expeditions to the Arctic. "The immediate achievements of these voyages were the charting of hundreds of miles of coastline in the Canadian Arctic archipelago and the collecting of valuable data on Arctic natural history" (Hill).Some occasional minor foxing, a few (water) stains. Binding rubbed along the extremities, sides slightly chafed. Overall in very good condition and… Read More