Cool Books

I often go into the stacks to review the condition of a book that is showing signs of wear and tear, but every now and then I take a little time to look at books that are just plain cool.

Cosmographia Petri Apiani [A 1550 .A75a]

This is Cosmographia Petri Apiani, printed in Antwerp in 1550 despite the date inscribed on the cover.  It caught my eye because of the alum tawed hide which is a lovely golden color.  You can really see the hair follicle pattern in the hide and the blind tooling is really nice.  It is a small book, only 23.5 cm x 17 cm and is in remarkably good condition.

 volvelle on the right-hand page

The book contains astronomical observations, and charts and tools to make your own observations. This volvelle is one of the tools you can use.  It is in it's original condition, with the different wheels and central fastener still in working order.

hand colored fold out map of the world

This hand colored map is just gorgeous. 

But my favorite image is this one which shows the earth in the center and the sun "solis" as the fourth planet!