CARDANO, Girolamo (1501-1576) - De rerum varietate libri XVII. Basel: Henricus Petrus, 1557. A fine copy in blindstamped pigskin of this first edition of Cardano's important encyclopedic work. The copy is enriched by the intervention of a contemporary censor who declares on the title page "Hic liber correctus est ex index librorum expurgandorum" and who has censored (without preventing the reading of the text) all the parts considered heterodox, accompanying in many cases the intervention with a written motivation in the margin; the interventions are useful to study in detail the reasons that led the Church to register the work in the index of prohibited books. Folio (313 x 215mm). Diagrams and illustrations in the text (8 wormholes affecting the title page and most of the work without substantial loss of text, slight stains on title, light browning). Contemporary blindstamped pigskin on wooden boards, with floral borders and with icons of saints, original metal clasps, traces of ancient paper label on spine (signs of wear). Provenance: contemporary inscription on title: "Caputinorum Constantiae".

Estimate € 2,000 - 3,000

Sold € 7,500