Lot 63
Fireworks.- Babington (John) Pyrotechnia or, A discourse of artificiall fire-works: in which the true grounds of that art are plainly and perspicuously laid downe... Whereunto is annexed a short Treatise of Geometrie, 2 parts in 1 vol., first edition, numerous full-page engraved illustrations and 2 folding plates, modern calf, 1635; sold not subject to return.
Hammer Price: £480
Description
Fireworks.- Babington (John) Pyrotechnia or, A discourse of artificiall fire-works: in which the true grounds of that art are plainly and perspicuously laid downe... Whereunto is annexed a short Treatise of Geometrie, 2 parts in 1 vol., first edition, numerous full-page engraved illustrations and 2 folding plates, woodcut initials and diagrams, part 1 lacks engraved title, title small piece of corner repaired, one folding plate torn with loss along lower image and corner, other folding plate repaired, F4 small tear in lower margin, part 2 lacks last f., browned throughout, very light staining in many margins, a few other marks, ink signature of Marianne Babington Keyes at head of title, bookplate of William Mitford, Exbury, Hampshire on front pastedown, new endpapers, modern calf, [Philip B010.1; STC 1099], folio, Thomas Harper for Ralph Mab, 1635; sold not subject to return.
⁂ The first English treatise to deal exclusively with fireworks. "This book is without doubt the most important in Firework bibliography." - Philip.
Soldier and mathematician Babington was a gunner in the service of the Earl of Newport, to whom he dedicates the present work. The first part comprises detailed descriptions and instructions concerning firework displays with much on firework automata. The second part was intended for the use of artillery officers and includes extensive early logarithmic tables.
Description
Fireworks.- Babington (John) Pyrotechnia or, A discourse of artificiall fire-works: in which the true grounds of that art are plainly and perspicuously laid downe... Whereunto is annexed a short Treatise of Geometrie, 2 parts in 1 vol., first edition, numerous full-page engraved illustrations and 2 folding plates, woodcut initials and diagrams, part 1 lacks engraved title, title small piece of corner repaired, one folding plate torn with loss along lower image and corner, other folding plate repaired, F4 small tear in lower margin, part 2 lacks last f., browned throughout, very light staining in many margins, a few other marks, ink signature of Marianne Babington Keyes at head of title, bookplate of William Mitford, Exbury, Hampshire on front pastedown, new endpapers, modern calf, [Philip B010.1; STC 1099], folio, Thomas Harper for Ralph Mab, 1635; sold not subject to return.
⁂ The first English treatise to deal exclusively with fireworks. "This book is without doubt the most important in Firework bibliography." - Philip.
Soldier and mathematician Babington was a gunner in the service of the Earl of Newport, to whom he dedicates the present work. The first part comprises detailed descriptions and instructions concerning firework displays with much on firework automata. The second part was intended for the use of artillery officers and includes extensive early logarithmic tables.