KIRCHER, Athanasius (1602-1680) - Arca Noe, in tres libros digesta. Amsterdam: Johannes Janssonius, 1675. First edition of "this fascinating and delightful piece of imaginative exegesis, filled with curious speculations" (Merrill), which uses Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Arab and Syriac types. Besides fine animals, birds and sirens, the plates "d'une remarquable beaut d'excution" (Caillet) figure the deluge, the construction and plan of the arc as well as maps of the world, Europe including the Middle-East, Eden and Paradise. Folio (388 x 252mm). Engraved additional title, portrait of Charles II of Spain, 19 engraved plates and maps on 18 sheets including 13 folding or double-page, numerous engraved illustrations and woodcuts including one full page (browned, some marginal tears of which some repaired with some minor loss such as on L1, L4, M1, large folding plate repaired at folds). 18th-century speckled calf, gilt panels and spine (expertly rebacked preserving original spine, corners restored); preserved within modern case.

Estimate € 1,000 - 1,500

Sold € 3,800