Meridionalis Nuncius das ist Ein Wunder-seltzamer südischer Crinit- oder Comet-Stern, Welchen der allmächtige und getreue Gott im Reste des 1664. Jahrs nach Christi Geburt, vom Aussgange Novembris biss in den Decembrem weit hinein, am Himmel gegen Mittage, nach Mitternacht in denen Morgen-Stunden, der untern Welt zur Warnung und Erleuchtung, angebrandt und hernieder gehänget hat: Wie solcher vor etlichen Jahren gerade umb diese Frist vom Herrn D. Tackio und Barth. Schimpfero &c. zuvor verkündiget, oder prognosticiret worden: nebst einem astrologischen und cabbalistischen Judicio so wohl jenes südischen, als des allerneuesten nordischen Cometens illustriret. Von Johanne Richtern, Astrophilo.
Large engraved vignette on title. 16 unnumbered leaves. Small 4to, attractive modern marbled boards. Leipzig: C. Kirchner, n.d [1664 or 1665].
First edition of this most uncommon account of the 1664 comet, visually the most impressive of the 17th century. It was observed by many of the greatest scientists of the period including Cassini and Borelli in Italy, Auzout and Petit in France, Hooke in England, and Samuel Danforth in North America.
In this work, Praetorius uses the pseudonym of Johannes Richter, “astrophilo.” Praetorius (1630-80), “had an open eye and a sharp ear for all wonder stories, witch tales, and accounts of ghosts and sorcery current among the people. He indefatigably collected all information on remarkable subjects and happenings, and was fond of popular gossip.”–Faber du Faur, German Baroque Literature, pp. 199-200–(who describes related items but not this work). The fine and large vignette on the title depicts the course of the comet with the constellations in the background. Praetorius was clearly familiar with the early and contemporary literature on comets and astronomy because of the many references he makes in the text. He describes the appearance, size, and path of the comet.
Fine copy.
❧ Lalande, p. 265. Waibler, “Johannes Praetorius (1630-1680). Ein Barockautor und seine Werke” in Archiv für Geschichte des Buchwesens (1979), no. 22.
Price: $3,250.00
Item ID: 6350