BASSANTIN (Jacques). Astronomical discourse. A Lion, Par Ian - Lot 1

BASSANTIN (Jacques). Astronomical discourse. A Lion, Par Ian de Tournes, 1557. In-folio, ivory vellum, cold-stamped fillets framing the boards, stamped black fleurons in the spandrels and center, spine decorated with stamped black fleurons (contemporary binding). ORIGINAL EDITION dedicated to Queen Catherine de Médicis. 246 pp. (paginated 1 to 240, 241 [for 281], 282, 285, [286 (Privilege)], [287 (printer's mark)] & [288 (blank)], signed: a-z4, A-G4, N1, N3 & N4. Marks of Jean de Tournes (Semeur on title & Lac d'amour in fine, initials with screened background, tables and numerous geometric and astronomical figures in the text, including 14 LARGE DIAGRAMS WITH MOBILE VOLVELLES and cords (24 of 36). Due to a pagination error (page 281 numbered 241 [f. N1]), our copy does not contain the five quires of the "Pratique du mouvement céleste" numbered H-M4, nor f. N2 (pp. 283/284 numbered 283/286). This pagination error, corrected in most copies, is SIGNED ON AN UNCARRIED PAGE. Of Scottish origin, James Bassantin (1500-1568) came to France accompanying the court of the future Queen Mary Stuart; it was in Paris that he continued his studies begun in Glasgow, teaching mathematics and astronomy until 1562. He wrote his Astronomical Discourse in French as a gift to Queen Catherine de Medici, an astrology enthusiast, on the occasion of the marriage of the Dauphin [François II] to Marie Stuart. THE MOST IMPORTANT TREATY ON ASTRONOMY PUBLISHED IN FRANCE IN THE XVIth CENTURY. The author entrusted his treatise to one of the most famous printers of his time, Jean de Tournes (1504-1564), known for his success in publishing a number of popular science works, remarkably illustrated and of high typographical quality. The work comprises five parts: - "Traité succint et familier pour venir a l'intelligence des tables des Sinus." (p. 7); - "Traité des triangles." (p. 23); - "De la Sphere du Monde." (p. 57); - "Theorique des cieus, mouvemens, et termes pratiquez des sept planettes." (p. 89); - "Pratique des mouvemens celestes." (p. 187). Brunet I-692; Cartier II-357. From the libraries of "Claude Fèvre, prêtre chanoine et chantre en l'église collégiale Sainct-Maurice à Salins", then "Messire Estienne Garnier, prestre et familier en l'Insigne Eglise Collegialle et paroitialle de St Anatoile de Salins le 22 juin 1683", with handwritten bookplates on the title. Some damage to binding, with small tears on one jaw; paper reinforcement in inner margin of title; soiling on first four leaves; worm gallery in margin of first five leaves; light inner wetness at bottom of leaves of first part; tear on page 95 without missing; last flyleaf slightly creased; quires H-M4 & f. N2 lacking.