KIRCHER, Athanasius (1602-1680). Iter exstaticum coeleste. Würzburg: J....

KIRCHER, Athanasius (1602-1680). Iter exstaticum coeleste. Würzburg: J. A. and W. Endter, 1671.

4° (205 x 160mm). Additional engraved title, engraved arms of Joachim von Gravenegg on title verso, 12 engraved plates, 9 folding, woodcut head- and tailpieces. (Intermittent browning, small holes in a number of leaves including title and engraved title, some light marginal dampstaining.) Contemporary burgundy full morocco, double gilt fillet panel within gilt-rolled border, gilt floral corner-pieces, central gilt arms incorporating crowned lion rampant with fleur-de-lys, raised bands to spine, gilt compartments repeating lion motif, chevron design on fore-edges (neatly repaired, small wormholes in spine, lightly rubbed).

First published in 1656, this curious treatise on astronomy takes the form of an ecstatic journey through the cosmos. Kircher, whose own astronomical views borrowed heavily from the theories of Copernicus and Tycho Brahe, here compares the merits of these and a number of other astronomical systems. The figure of Theodidactus, representing the author in this text, can be seen being led through the celestial spheres by his guide Cosmiel in the additional engraved title. Brunet III, 667; Caillet III, 5776.