APIANUS, Petrus (1495-1522). Cosmographie, ou description des quatre parties du Monde... Corrigee & augmentee par Gemma Frison. Antwerp: Jean Bellere, 1581.

4to (226 x 156 mm). Title with large woodcut of globe, 4 woodcut volvelles on C2v, D1v, I1v and 2B3r, folding double-page world map (lower margin slightly trimmed and a little frayed affecting a few words), numerous woodcut astronomical and geographical text illustrations and diagrams in text. (Lacking string pointer on woodcut page 22 [C3v], several volvelle parts curled or slightly loose, some minor marginal worming on some early upper fore-corners at beginning, some pale marginal dampstaining on upper fore-corners [heavier at end], one margin shaved slightly affecting pagination and woodcut border on H1.) Late 19th-century cloth-backed boards (a few tears on upper cover, a little wear). Provenance: Donald E. Roy (bookplate).

Second edition in French, enlarged to include American material derived from the Spanish edition (Antwerp, 1575), without the two separate diagrams affixed to 2B4v, as usual. Apianus' popular geographical and astronomical treatise, in the enlarged and modified version of his student, the globe- and instrument-maker Gemma Frisius, first published in 1529 and further enlarged in 1530. Gemma's most important contribution is the chapter which contains the earliest description of triangulation as a means of accurate surveying and mapping. Alden & Landis 581/2; JCB I:283; Van Ortoy 57; Sabin 1751n.

APIANUS, Petrus (1495-1522). Cosmographie, ou description des quatre parties du Monde... Corrigee & augmentee par Gemma Frison. Antwerp: Jean Bellere, 1581.