Copernicus

De Reuolutionibus Orbium Coelestium, Title Page, 1566

Copernicus argued that the sun, not the earth, was the center of the universe. The book was the most important astronomy treatise written since the Egyptian astronomer Ptolemy. De revolutionibus was popular and recognized as a significant and classic work almost immediately.

De Reuloutionibus Orbium Coelestium, Geometric Images, 1566

This particular volume is a second edition, published in Basel, Switzerland in 1566. The book was never trimmed and retains its original deckle edge. This copy was bound later in the nineteenth century with quarter calf and marbled papers over boards. The spine has raised gilt bands with a red Morocco title label. The spine has gilt lettering with the incorrect date of 1556. The first edition was published in 1543.

Copernicus, Nicolaus (1473-1543). De revolutionibus orbium caelestium, 1566.