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KIRCHER, Athanasius (1602-80). Mundus subterraneus, in XII libros digestus, Amsterdam: J. Janssonius van Waesberge, 1678.
2 volumes, 2° (384 x 243mm). 2 engraved titles, one by Theodor Matham after Johann Paul Schor, the other by A. Siourtsma after C. vande Pas, printed title in volume I with engraved vignette, one engraved portrait of Kircher, 12 plates, 6 of which double-page and one folding, 7 maps, 3 of which double-page, one folding and 2 double-page folding, including one sheet containing 3 maps, components of volvelles for pp. 165 & 167 printed on a slip and bound-in, 4 letterpress tables, 2 of which are folding, numerous engraved and woodcut illustrations, some full-page. (Lacking the portrait of Pope Alexander VII, light worming in inner margin of first few leaves, small rusthole in H2 in vol. I affecting one or 2 letters, paper flaw in N2 in vol. II causing short clean marginal tear, some leaves browned, some light spotting.) Contemporary vellum, leather lettering-piece and manuscript title on spine (lightly soiled).
Third edition of Kircher's monumental book on the subterranean world. Based on his experiences of the eruption of Vesuvius in 1637 and an earthquake in Calabria in 1638, Kircher maintained that the subterranean world was composed of two interlocking systems of fire and water; the double-page plates illustrating this theory are amongst the most famous in the book. Duveen 322; Ferguson I, p. 467; Sabin 37967; cf. Norman 1218 (first edition). (2)
2 volumes, 2° (384 x 243mm). 2 engraved titles, one by Theodor Matham after Johann Paul Schor, the other by A. Siourtsma after C. vande Pas, printed title in volume I with engraved vignette, one engraved portrait of Kircher, 12 plates, 6 of which double-page and one folding, 7 maps, 3 of which double-page, one folding and 2 double-page folding, including one sheet containing 3 maps, components of volvelles for pp. 165 & 167 printed on a slip and bound-in, 4 letterpress tables, 2 of which are folding, numerous engraved and woodcut illustrations, some full-page. (Lacking the portrait of Pope Alexander VII, light worming in inner margin of first few leaves, small rusthole in H2 in vol. I affecting one or 2 letters, paper flaw in N2 in vol. II causing short clean marginal tear, some leaves browned, some light spotting.) Contemporary vellum, leather lettering-piece and manuscript title on spine (lightly soiled).
Third edition of Kircher's monumental book on the subterranean world. Based on his experiences of the eruption of Vesuvius in 1637 and an earthquake in Calabria in 1638, Kircher maintained that the subterranean world was composed of two interlocking systems of fire and water; the double-page plates illustrating this theory are amongst the most famous in the book. Duveen 322; Ferguson I, p. 467; Sabin 37967; cf. Norman 1218 (first edition). (2)
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