KEPLER, Johannes (1571-1630). Epistolae ad Joannem Kepplerum mathematicum Caesareum scriptae. [Leipzig or Augsburg:] 1718.

KEPLER, Johannes (1571-1630). Epistolae ad Joannem Kepplerum mathematicum Caesareum scriptae. [Leipzig or Augsburg:] 1718.

First edition of this rare compilation of letters to and from Kepler to the leading scientists of his time. Michael Gottlieb Hansch (1683-1749), the editor of the volume, was an imperial councilor, theologian, and mathematician. Hansch acquired Kepler’s manuscript letters in Danzig for 100 florins, and soon thereafter he transcribed and published these in the present volume. Included are 77 letters written by Kepler and 407 letters sent to him by his contemporaries, including Galileo, Tycho Brahe, Joseph-Juste Scaliger, Johann Hartmann Beyer, Thomas Harriot, and Christoph Scheiner. The work also includes Hansch’s biographical sketch on Kepler, the first to ever appear in print on the astronomer. Caspar 102; Honeyman 1805.

Folio (400 x 260mm). 8 engraved folding plates illustrating Kepler's mathematical and astronomical ideas at end mounted on blank leaves (some browning and spotting). Contemporary full calf, raised bands, spine gilt (some scuffing and wear along hinges, evidence of removal of original titling piece on second compartment; rebacked with portions of original spine laid down). Provenance: Biblioteca Comunitativa Magnani of Bologna (small ink deaccession ownership stamp and deaccession stamp dated 1890 on title).