- 69
BLAGRAVE, THE MATHEMATICAL JEWEL, LONDON, 1585, CONTEMPORARY VELLUM
Estimate
7,000 - 9,000 GBP
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Description
- The mathematical jewel, shewing the making, and most excellent use of a singuler instrument so called. London: (Thomas Dawson for) Walter Venge, [1585]
FIRST [AND ONLY] EDITION, folio (265 x 180mm.), 3 full-page woodcuts on 2 leaves preceding title: "The mathematicall jewell" (recto blank), and on one leaf "Margarita mathematica", verso "The reete", woodcut of an instrument on title-page, woodcut illustrations and diagrams in text, one double-page table, contemporary vellum, first 2 leaves (with woodcuts) frayed and stained at edges, head of pages cut close at beginning affecting a few letters, somewhat soiled, binding somewhat soiled
Provenance
bought from Martayan Lan, New York, 1995
Literature
Tomash & Williams B174; ESTC S373; STC 3119; Adams & Waters 199; Luborsky & Ingram, English illustrated books 3119 (three woodcuts); Taylor, Tudor & Stuart 65
Condition
the condition of this lot is as described in the catalogue description
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
Blagrave's "jewel" of the title was a new pattern of astrolabe, designed for a wide range of mathematical arts, including astronomy, cosmography, geography, topography and navigation. Although it was recommended by contemporaries such as Gabriel Harvey, Mark Ridley and Thomas Blundeville, it proved too elaborate for seamen to use. This copy has three full-page woodcuts on two leaves bound before the title-page. Whilst the Macclesfield copy contained four such woodcuts (see sale 10 June 2004, lot 363), the British Library, the Honeyman and other copies contain just two. On the title-page is a woodcut depicting an armillary sphere (its stand lettered I. BLAG. SCVLP); other text illustrations show an instrument made of three straight rules, and a man shown using a level to calculate the height of a wall.