Euclid. The Elements of Geometrie, first edition in English of the first complete translation, translated by Sir Henry Billingsley, preface by John Dee, title within fine woodcut border depicting Ptolemy and Strabo, amongst others, folding letter-press table (torn and repaired, without loss), numerous woodcut diagrams including 37 diagrams on 28 pp. with one or more printed overslips, woodcut portrait of John Day above colophon, woodcut historiated or decorative initials and tail-pieces, lacking final blank, title and final 2ff. with neat restorations to blank outer corners, occasional dampstaining, mostly marginal, 2D2 with burn hole to head, 2V2&3 with small patch of soiling partially obscuring text, small rust hold to 2D1, small paper flaws to 2T2&5 with some minor loss to text, modern antique-style calf with original covers laid down, [STC 10560; cf. PMM 25], by John Daye, [1570].

*** First edition of the first major science book in English. The clear and precise nature of the text coupled with the numerous illustrations ensured this work's continued popularity as a scientific textbook up to the present day. In addition the use of printed slips here (originally printed as six bifolia bound in at the end) mean that this work can lay claim to being the first illustrated popup work in the English language. John Dee's preface is considered by many to be his most important published work. It outlines the practical applications of Euclid's work, lays the foundations for later experimental science and hints at the use of magic and the supernatural in conjunction with the natural. In addition, Dee also contributed further theorems and annotations.