Nürnbergische Observation deß Neuen Cometens, das ist: Kurtze historische Erzehlung; deß…erschienenen erschröcklichen Comet-Sterns Wunderbaren weiten Lauffs, Veränderung und Ende.
Nürnberg, J.A. and W. II Endter 1665.
4to (186 x 143 mm.). 36p. and FOLDING ENGRAVED CELESTIAL MAP (184 x 370 mm).
Modern half-vellum and marbled paper boards.
Only Edition of these astronomical observations by a Nürnberg bookseller. Spieß’ report on the Great Comet of 1664 provides details on the comet’s orbit, its physical characteristics, an astrological-historical interpretation and a visual record of its trajectory. He also speculates on what the comet might portend (hint: get right with the Lord). Spieß apprenticed with bookseller M. Külsner and took over the shop after his death. Archival records prove Spieß’ authorship of this scientific pamphlet. In good condition (light browning, paper repair affecting two lines of text, engraving cropped close); bookplate of science historian Marcel Destombes (1905-83).
¶Himpsl, “Der stumme feurige Prediger” in Grenzgänger zwischen Himmel und Erde: Kometen in der Frühen Neuzeit ed. Meinel 81-3; Brüning, Bibliographie der Kometenliteratur 1198; VD17 23:288122F.
Price: $4,800.00