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EUCLID.
Elementa Geometriae.
First edition of 'the oldest mathematical textbook still in common use today' (PMM) and one of the earliest printed books with geometrical figures. The text is the standard late mediaeval recension of Johannes Campanus of Novara, based on the twelfth-century translation from the Arabic of Adelard of Bath. The text is preceded by a dedicatory letter by Erhard Ratdolt to Giovanni Mocenigo. Ratdolt's method of printing diagrams to illustrate a mathematical text and his finely printed astronomical books became the models for subsequent scientific publishing.
Chancery folio (305 × 207 mm). Recently rebound in full brown calf by Richard Smart of Old English Bindery, spine gilt in compartments, 5 raised bands, concentric panels formed of blind and gilt rules, gilt cul-de-lampe corner-pieces, central panel with interlocked geometric figures surrounded by gilt decoration formed of repeated foliate tools, all edges gilt. White-on-black woodcut border and red printed headline to first page of contents, white-on-black woodcut initials, geometric typemetal marginal diagrams throughout. Toning and light spotting to early and late leaves, a few small spots to contents, else clean and bright. An excellent copy.
