Rare Book Monthly
Book Catalogue Reviews - January - 2005 Issue
Recent Acquisitions of Bernard J. Shapero Rare Books
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Tractatus Politico-Juridicus... by Johann Marquart (or Johann Marquard) was a major undertaking in the field of trade in the 17th century. It is a particularly important resource today as most of the documents on which it is based have been lost. Published in two volumes in 1662, Marquart covered trade around the world, but this book is of great interest to collectors of Americana as much of its focus was on New World trade. It is particularly important in providing details about early Swedish colonization in America, notably Pennsylvania. Item 53. £4,000.
Benedetto Castelli was a Benedictine monk who became a devoted student and supporter of Galileo. Along with his defense of the views of his mentor, Castelli was an accomplished scientist in his own right. He is best noted for his work in the field of hydraulics, being called to Rome by the Pope to aid in the control of flooding in the Papal States. Item 14 is a copy of his most important work in the field, Della Misura dell'Acque Correnti (on the measurement of running waters), from 1628. £4,200.
For those who collect either illustrated books or books on science and technology, especially those from the 16th century, here is one of the best: Le diverse et artificiose machine... by Agostino Ramelli. It includes meticulously prepared drawings of the latest machines of the day, that day being one in 1588. Item 67. £37,500.
Item 31 is an 1886 work published in Vienna which, to deep sadness, did not reach the hearts of the people. The book is entitled Beruehmte Maenner und Frauen. Ein illustrrirter Protest den Antisemitismus, by Dr. Carl Sigmund. It is a gentle protest against anti-Semitism. The book makes its point with portraits of prominent Jews such as Disraeli and the Rothschilds. Ultimately, the message would not get through to the Austrian people as events a half-century later would attest. £650.
Bernard J. Shapero Rare Books may be found online at www.shapero.com or reached by phone at +44 (0)20 7493 0876.
