Search Results: Titles starting with E from Asher Rare Books

[16], 249, [7] pp.First edition of the German translation of A lapidary, first published in English in 1652 and compiled by Thomas Nicols: ''the first independent gemological book by a British author ... based firmly upon Boetius de Boodt'' (Sinkankas). Nicols lists all the true gems, but also covers fossils, coral, pearls, amber, etc. For each he discusses the forms, appearance, properties (diligently but somewhat sceptically reporting magical, mystical and medical claims), origins, classification, uses, prices, engraving on gems, etc. Nicols makes an intelligent synthesis of the earlier literature, as well as original contributions primarily in practical aspects related to jewellery, such as enhancing stones with reflective foils or dyestuffs, hardening softer stones, and the related subjects of falsification and adulteration.With a few minor smudges. Binding slightly stained. Overall in very good condition.l Carter, Sea of Pearls, p. 92; Sinkankas 4757; Schuh II, 3527; VD 17, 3:302273B; cf. Hoover… Read More

665 [= 656] pp.The third revised edition of William Lewis's authoritative The new dispensatory, first published in 1753. Lewis (1708-1781) was a British chemist and physician who first published his Dispensary in London in 1753. In all later editions, including the revisions his plan and arrangement has been adopted. The editor of the revised edition, Andrew Duncan (1744-1828), dedicated his revision, based on the Phamacopoea Londinensis of 1788 and other Pharmacopoea’s, to Sir George Baker, president of the Royal College of Physicians. The dedication in our edition is dated Edinburgh, 1 November 1788, for the second edition of the revision (Edinburgh, Charles Elliot, 1789). The first edition had been published in 1786. Beginning with our 3rd edition of 1791 the Dispensatory was printed for William Creech, as are the 4th edition of 1794, the 5th of 1797 and the 6th of 1801.In good condition.l Wellcome III, p. 511.

[50], [38]; 512, [32] pp.Second copy located of the 1618 edition of a selection of 36 fables by Aesop, printed in two columns: left Greek and Latin right, included as integral part of a well-known and very influential Greek grammar by the Strasbourg professor Theophilus (Gotlob) Golius (1528-1600) for use in the Strasbourg Gymnasium.With an owner’s inscription from “one of the most beautiful libraries in the world”: the library of the Monasterium Premostratense (the Strakov Library) in Prague: "Bibliotheca Monserratensi Pragae". Manuscript annotation on title-page: "Fabellae quaedam Aesopi Graecae, ad puerilem educationem selectae". First few pages slightly browned. Otherwise in good condition.l KVK & WorldCat (1 copy of parts 1 & 2 only?); cf. Kuiper, De Hollandse “schoolordre” van 1625 (1958), pp. 122-129 and 216-217 (other eds.).

[1], [1 blank], [14], 287, [1 blank], [8] pp.The first Dutch translation of Ludwig Lavater's De Spectris, lemuribus et magnis atque insolitis fragoribus, first published in Geneva in 1570, is an exceptionally rare find with only four other copies known in public libraries and having appeared only thrice on the market in the last century. Ludwig Lavater (1527-1586), a Zurich theologian, achieved great success with his renowned "ghost book," which became a bestseller of its time. Within this book, Lavater succinctly presents the Reformed perspective on the topic of ghosts, offering readers practical guidance on interpreting and managing supernatural phenomena. Drawing from various theological arguments, Lavater asserts that such phenomena do not involve the appearance of deceased individuals but rather the devil's attempts to tempt or punish the living on behalf of God. Consequently, any form of interaction with spirits, including questioning, protective or defensive measures, and exorcisms, is strictly… Read More

Beautiful watercolour by Jacobus Wilhelmus Adrianus Hilverdink (1809-1864), showing a charming scenery with houses and farm houses in the outskirts of the city of Arnhem, with the famous Late Gothic Eusebius Church in the centre of the back ground; farmers are working and harvesting in the fields, some of them eating and drinking in front. Fine copy.l Scheen, Lexicon Nederlandse Beeldende Kunstenaars 1750-1880 (1969) p. 484; Waller p.142.

29, [3] pp.Rare first Dutch edition, one of two simultaneous issues (the other, for Cornelis Jacobsz. in Alkmaar, has the title-page in either of two states) of an eyewitness account on the history of the siege of Alkmaar in the year 1573, written by the magistrate Nanning van Foreest (Alkmaar, 1529 - The Hague, 3 Oktober 1592), secretary and pensionary of Alkmaar and deputy of the province Holland. He studied law at the University of Leuven (Louvain). Together with his brothers, he played an important part in the Dutch revolt against the Spanish. Around 1566 he fled to Campen near Emden, a refuge for protestants. He was convicted of heresy in 1568.After the Geuzen revolt he returned to Alkmaar in 1572, where he was appointed pensionary. During the siege of Alkmaar by the Spanish he kept a diary from 23 August to 8 October 1573, which resulted in the present booklet. The title-page says the Dutch text was translated from the Latin. However the imprint of the Dutch edition gives the date 1573 while… Read More

(14, 2 blank) pp.Interesting pamphlet on the Dutch-Spanish war by an unknown Dutch author (sometimes erroniously atttributed to Marnix van St. Aldegonde) arguing against peace with Spain. According to the Typ. Bat. Aelbrecht Hendricksz. from Delft printed this pamphlet. It is translated from the French original (Discours d'un gentil-homme amateur de la patrie et du repos publicq...) which was printed in 1584, probably by Gilles vanden Rade from Antwerp (Knuttel 705). Title with later manuscript annotations in ink and some marginal spotting, otherwise a good copy, including last blank.l Knuttel 706; Belg. Typ. 1283; Tiele, Pamfletten, 284.

111, [1] pp.A very rare early seventeenth-century Dutch book on astronomy, compiling the knowledge of the German astronomer, mathematician and cartographer Peter Apian (1495-1552). A great work on cosmography, astronomy, perspective and many related subjects. The book is subdivided into six parts, highlighting the scales and course of planets, the principles of the zodiac signs and their correct identification, the calculation of heights and distances as well as the instruments used for calculation and measurement. All of this rendered in readable explanations and numerous clarifying woodcut illustrations. The book showcases marvelous woodcut illustrations of volvelles, which are rotating parts of a paper construction known as a wheel chart used to illustrate the position and movement of celestial bodies. Volvelles are recognized as early versions of paper analogue computers and have been utilised in various fields for organization and calculation. The origins of volvelles can be traced back to… Read More

[1 blank], [24] ll.Limited edition - no. 1 of 7 - of the rarer portfolio edition of a remarkable early 20th-century illustrative work by the renowned Dutch artist and illustrator of children's books Nelly Bodenheim. The present work contains the short rhymes (verses) by Lizzy Ansingh, together with the strinking colourful and humoristic illustrations of anthropomorphic fruits,nuts, and vegetables - including lemons, grapes, a pear, radishes, a red pepper, almonds, blackberries, apricots, cherries, and a leek.Johanna Cornelia Hermana (Nelly) Bodenheim (1874-1951) was, among other pursuits, a popular book illustrator and designer of costumes for stage performances in the Netherlands in the early twentieth century. Like in the present work, she often teamed up with Maria Elisabeth Georgina (Lizzy) Ansing (1875-1959), a Dutch painter. Together they were part of a group of women artists called the "Amsterdamse Joffers", who met weekly in Amsterdam at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century.… Read More

pp. [89], 90-142.First publication of the manuscript journal of Joannes Leeuwenson's 1674/75 overland journey from Colombo (Ceylon/Sri Lanka), along the west coast of India to Banda Abbas (Iran, at the Strait of Hormuz), Basra (Iraq), Aleppo (Syria), and Iskenderun (Turkey), then on to Livorno (Italy), and through Italy and Germany to Amsterdam. The manuscript itself is titled "Daghregister van de Landreijs, gedaeen bij mij Joannes Leeuwenson, ..." Although described as an journey over land, parts naturally had to be made by sea as well, and Leeuwenson names numerous ships in the various Dutch fleets, as well as the enemy ships they encountered. He quotes in full (4 pp.) the letter with orders given to him by VOC director François de Haese at Banda Abbas as well as several other letters he received or wrote. He gives a detailed description of the terrain and the difficulties in finding and acquiring supplies, beasts of burden, etc., and relates his encounters with Persians, Ottomans and other Islamic… Read More

[16], 40, 16, 34, [2 blank] pp.Richly illustrated second edition of an architectural manual compiled by a master mason, first published in 1664 (the first edition was also reissued in 1667). Although the title-page calls it the first volume, Vermaarsch never published a second. He openly borrows from architectural classics, naming Scamozzi, Palladio and Viniola on his title-page. He discusses mathematical projection, architectural decoration, the five orders of columns of classical architecture, and more specifically the theories of Scamozzi, Palladio and Vignola, each treated in a separately paginated chapter. As a practicing master mason in Leiden the author's views are of special interest when he discusses the design of decorative brick and plaster work for bases and capitals of columns for doors, gateways, windows, etc., freezes, ceilings and other works of masonry. He notes that all these designs can be constructed with only the very simplest measuring tools. The plates clearly illustrate his… Read More

36 pp.Offprint of an interesting article by the drawing-teacher W. Jost with his observations made during a visit to the Art academy, school for drawing teachers, in Amsterdam and Jost's meeting with the director W. Molkenboer, now the Rijksacademie. The article was first published in the periodical Zeitschrift des Vereins Deutscher Zeichenlehrer. One of the lithographs depicts a drawing by Leonie Molkenboer, the daughter of the director.Fine copy.l NCC lists one copy; not in Cat. Rijksmuseum.

[7], [1 blank], 202, [4] pp.First and only edition of a report about a visit to the Hawaiian Islands in 1868 by the German physician Joseph Bechtinger.''Dr. Bechtinger arrived at Hawaii from San Francisco in the fall of 1868. In October 1868 he was on the island of Hawaii, where he visited the volcano. At a later date he made an excursion to Haleakala on Maui. Much of the text concerns medical matters, particularly the doctor's interest in lepers on Molokai. A woodcut vignette on page 45 is a fine view of Kaneohe from the Nuuanu Pali. The frontispiece (which may also include the author's himself) and three of the images on the plates depict Hawaiians afflicted with leprosy. A portrait of Kamehameha V is on the plate inserted at page 144'' (Forbes).The views of Honolulu include one of the beach where Cook was murdered.With the edges somewhat tattered, not approaching the text, but otherwise in good condition. Wrappers soiled and damaged, and spine repaired with tape.l Forbes 2820.

[1], [1 blank] pp.Second known copy of one of the earliest Montevideo imprints, published by Francisco Javier de Elío (1767-1822), the last viceroy of Rio de la Plata, urging the inhabitants of the town to remain loyal to Spain, which they did until 1814 when they surrendered to the revolutionary army of the Provinces. Montevideo, capital of the Spanish colonial predecessor of modern Uruguay, was at the time a small town of about 8000 souls only. General Auchmuty established the first Montevideo printing office during the British occupation, in the winter of 1807, but it was removed in the same year to Buenos Aires. In 1810, the Infanta Carlotta Joaquina sent a printing press from Buenos Aires, allowing the city to set up its first permanent printing office, whose first imprints appeared later that year. It was an official city press, and when named in imprints (including other proclamations by the Viceroy), it was usually simply called “la imprenta de la ciudad de Montevideo”. Since it was the… Read More

[1], [1 blank], [1], [2 blank], [13], “66” [= 196], [4] pp.First edition, in the original Spanish, of a rare manual for artillery warfare by the military engineer and general Fernández de Medrano (1646-1705), incorporating material from his 1691 El perfecto bombardero y práctico artillero and his 1680 El prático artillero. The Verdussen printing and publishing office in Antwerp brought out a second and third edition in 1708 and 1723, which are equally rare. The charming plates, drawn by some of de Medrano's students, were engraved by the Dutch artist Jacobus Harrewijn (1660-1727), active in Brussels from 1695 to 1714. They depict ordnance and munitions, as well as towns under heavy artillery fire.Late 18th-century owner’s inscription by the artillery officer António Henrique Banazol de Ataíde e Campos on the half-title. Later in the famous Ashburnham library assembled by Bertram Ashburnham, 4th Earl of Ashburnham (1797-1878), with his purple ink shelfmark ("26.E") and note "Catal. M 1859" on… Read More

[1], [1 blank], [18], 562, [20] pp.First edition of a popular handbook with a new system for the classification of plants by genus, based on the structure of their flowers and fruit. The author Joseph Pitton de Tournefort (1656-1708) was one of the first taxonomists of the 18th century. Before publishing any works, he started collecting specimens for his herbarium, which achieved great fame and is kept in the Musée d’Histoire Naturelle de Paris. It provided the basis for his first major work, Elemens de botanique, which went through many editions. Pages 448-514 of the present first edition deal with trees and forestry. The text volume is followed by two volumes with many engraved plates.Provenance: William Musgrave (1735-1800), 6th Baronet; Matthew Baillie (1761-1823); the honourable Willem de Reede Ginkel, 9th Earl of Athlone (1780-1844); bookplate of Joseph Lanjouw (1902-1984).l Arnold Arboretum II, p. 311; DSB XIII; Hunt 392; Nissen, BBI 1976; Plesch 438.

[1 blank], [1], 221, [11]; [1], [1 blank], 148, [3], [1 blank] pp.Ad 1: Second edition, in the original Latin, of a famous and foundational study of the physiology and structure of muscles and the formation of fossils, by the world-renowned Nicolas Steno or Niels Stensen (1638-1686). Stensen was a pupil of the important Danish physician Bartolin in Copenhagen and is widely considered as the founder of modern geology and young-earth creationism. He has been recognized as having made some of the first truly great discoveries in geology. Living in Florence in the service of the Grand Duke of Tuscany, he first published his findings in his Elementorum myologiae specimen in Florence in 1667, showing how the teeth of a shark came to be mineralized. This was an enormous contribution to the study of fossils. Using the Bible framework Stensen developed one of the earliest directional geological accounts on the history of earth and life.Ad 2: First edition of an important treatise on the anatomy of the uterus… Read More

VIII, 439, [1]; [4], 66 pp.First editions of two works on electricity by the Italian physicist Giambatista Beccaria (1716-1781), who was appointed to the chair of physics at the university of Turin in 1748 and was one of the scholars who helped transform electrology into a scientific discipline defending the theory of Benjamin Franklin.Ad 1: First edition, in the original Italian, of "Beccaria's last major contribution to the science of electricity" (DSB). It treats the theory of artificial electricity, especially in conducting bodies, deduced from the circulation of electricity in an ordinary apparatus. Beccaria explains and enlarges on Franklin's one-fluid theory of electricity. It contains descriptions of many experiments, with accompanying illustrations on the 11 engraved plates. It was translated into English, on Franklin's recommendation, in 1776.Ad 2: First edition, in the original Latin, of a collection of experiments and observations explaining the nature and properties of residual static… Read More

[4], XLVIII, 432 pp.First edition of the French translation of a well-known mineralogical work by the Irish chemist, mineralogist and geologist Richard Kirwan (1733-1812). The original English was first published as Elements of mineralogy in 1784, and was "the first systematic mineralogy in English that classifies minerals by their chemical composition" (Schuh). The book opens with a preface, in which Kirwan discusses the position of mineralogy within science in Britain, comparing it to progresses made in France, Germany and Scandinavia. "He concludes that mineralogy must be considered a branch of chemistry. In this regard, Kirwan follows Cronstedt and uses the latter's basic classification, subjugating the mineral species into earths and stones, salts, inflammables and metals, based upon the species' chemistry" (Schuh).With a small bookplate of "Chapelle, capitaine d'artillerie" on paste-down, together with his inscription. Internally in very good condition, only a few tiny spots. Binding very… Read More

[85], [1 blank]; [23] ll.Ad 1: A rare 1529 Cologne edition, in the original Latin, of the most important and influential early encyclopaedia or dictionary of classical history, geography and mythology, including the author’s preface to the first edition of 1498. It gives concise accounts, ranging from one line to more than half a page, of people, mythological figures, regions, cities, mountains, rivers, objects, etc. from classical times, gathered mainly from classical literature and arranged in alphabetical order. Ad 2: Rare first and only edition, in the original Latin, of the only work written by Aethon Johann von Freudenberg: a pamphlet exposing the abuses perpetrated by dishonest or incompetent doctors and the dangers of the inappropriate medications or treatments they prescribe. Dommer’s extensive bibliography of the earliest books printed in Marburg overlooked this edition.Ad 1 with on the title-page a ca. 1563 donation(?) inscription for the San Pantaleon church (in Venice) by the heirs of… Read More