APIANUS, Petrus (Pieter Bienewitz, 1495-1552) and Reiner GEMMA FRISIUS (1508-1555). Cosmographia, sive descriptio universi orbis. - GEMMA FRISIUS. Usus annuli astronomici.- De radio astronomico & geometrico liber. -De astrolabo catholico liber. [And other tracts by various authors, edited by Gemma Frisius]. Antwerp: Joannis Withagius for Jean Bellere, 1584.

4to (229 x 161mm). Title with large title woodcut of a globe, 4 woodcut volvelles on C2v, D1r, I1r and 2A2v, folding double-page woodcut world map after Frisius (Shirley 96), numerous astronomical and geographical woodcut illustrations and diagrams in text. (Lacking string pointer on woodcut page 22 [C3v], some quires browned as usual [a few heavy], some occasional spotting.) Contemporary vellum (some minor spotting & soiling, minor worming to rear cover, slightly bowed).

One of numerous 16th-century editions of 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 entitled "Libellus de locorum describendorum ratione," which contains the earliest description of triangulation as a means of accurate surveying and mapping. The present edition contains three treatises by Gemma describing astronomical instruments of his own invention. A FINE COPY. Adams A-1286; Alden & Landis 584/2; van Ortroy 59