[Rarebooks] FS: First systematic treatise on Mining, 1621, with 273 woodcuts

[Charles Agvent]

One of 65 fine items from our Spring Catalog recently posted on our 
website: http://www.erols.com/agvent

AGRICOLA,  Georgius. DE RE METALLICA. LIBRI XII.  QUIBUS  OFFICIA,
INSTRUMENTA,  MACHINAE, AC OMNIA DENIQUE AD METALLICAM  SPECTANTIA....
Basil:  Ludovici Regis 1621. Early edition. Folio (8" x 12-1/2") bound
in  library  buckram;  irregularly paginated: [10], 502,  [58]  pages.
Illustrated  with  273 woodcuts, many full and half  page.  Previously
published  in 1556 and 1561, this edition seems scarcer than either of
the  previous.  PRINTING & THE MIND OF MAN 79: "The  first  systematic
treatise  on mining and metallurgy and one of the first  technological
books  of  modern  times." Herbert Hoover, who first  translated  this
book  into English, described this title in his autobiography as  "the
first important attempt to assemble systematically in print the world-
knowledge  on mining, metallurgy, and industrial chemistry. It was the
great  textbook  of  those  industries   for  two  centuries  and  had
dominated  thought and practice all that time. In many mining  regions
and  camps, including the Spanish South America, it was chained to the
church  altar  and  translated  by the priest to  the  miners  between
religious  services." The woodcut impressions are strong and dark.  As
customary  with this title, there is browning throughout, occasionally
heavy.  Small  piece  of title page repaired with no loss of  text  or
illustration;  ink  names  of  David  Stuart  dated  1771  and  Joseph
Robertson  dated  1830  on  title page.  Library  bookplate  on  front
pastedown  and  small  ink number on the title page  illustration;  no
other  library markings except for numbers on the spine. An  important
and  richly  illustrated  title. Very Good in a  serviceable  binding.
                                                               $8500.00

-- 

All books subject to prior sale.  Cash with order; institutions may be 
billed.  Postage additional:  $10.00 for the first book, $5.00 each 
thereafter.  Overseas postage billed at approximate cost.  Pennsylvania 
residents must add 6% sales tax.  Mastercard, Visa, American Express and 
Discover accepted.  Books may be returned within 10 days of receipt for 
any reason provided they are in the same condition as sent and prior 
notice is given.  Please insure returns for their full value.  We carry 
a diverse stock with major specialties including Modern and 19th Century 
Literary First Editions, Autographed Books, and Limited Editions Club 
books.  We are celebrating our 22nd year of business and are proud to be 
members of the Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America (ABAA) and 
the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB).  Please feel 
free to contact us with any wants or offerings.  Thank you.

CHARLES AGVENT
291 Linden Road
Mertztown, PA  19539-8750
610-682-4750
agvent at erols.com
Visit our home page:  http://www.erols.com/agvent
-------------- next part --------------

No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com 
Version: 8.5.287 / Virus Database: 270.12.6/2084 - Release Date: 04/28/09 06:15:00