Books

Florence,: Francesco Onofri,, 1646-1647.. 6 parts in 3 volumes. Folio. Complete with half-titles, vignette title-pages, and all exceptionally fine engraved maps, plates and original moveable parts: Volume I: (343 by 233mm), Part I: 56 pages, 30 plates, including 24 folding, and 20 with volvelles, [3] leaves of tables (ephemerides) Part II: 76, [2] pages, 12 plates, including 7 folding, and 5 with volvelles, 15 folding maps; Part III: [4], 1-48, [4], 49-55, 8 plates (5 folding), 4 engravings on half-page, the first after plates 2, the second after plates 4, the other two between pages 16 and 17 Part IV: 39, [3] pages, 18 plates, including 15 folding; Volume II: (478 by 343mm), Part V: 36, [2] pages, 98 plates 150 illustrations, 24 folding plates including 15 with volvelles, 67 plates with 100 illustrations only on the recto and 9 with volvelles, 7 plates with 25 illustrations on recto and verso; Volume III: (468 by 330mm), Part VI: [2], 60, [2] pages, 132 folding maps including 59…

"Arcano del Mare" by Sir Robert Dudley is a groundbreaking work in maritime science and navigation, published in the 17th century. Sir Robert Dudley, an English explorer, navigator, and mathematician, sought to compile an exhaustive resource on navigation, shipbuilding, and the science of the seas. First published in Florence in 1645-1646, "Arcano del Mare" is notable for several reasons. It was the first sea atlas to cover the entire world, providing detailed charts and information that were invaluable to navigators and sailors. Dudley's work included not just maps but also detailed descriptions of the winds, tides, and currents of the world's oceans. Dudley introduced several innovations in mapmaking, including the first use of Mercator projection in maritime charts. This projection became a standard in nautical cartography because it represented lines of constant compass bearing as straight lines, simplifying navigation. The atlas contained a wealth of information on shipbuilding and naval warfare tactics, making it a comprehensive manual for naval engineering of the time. Dudley's work also discussed the design and construction of ships, offering insights into 17th-century naval architecture. Dudley approached the task with a scientific rigor, incorporating the latest mathematical and astronomical knowledge into his work. "Arcano del Mare" reflects the early modern fascination with applying scientific methods to practical problems, such as navigation and exploration. The atlas is also renowned for its artistic beauty, with elaborate and detailed engravings. These illustrations not only served a practical purpose but also elevated the atlas to a work of art. "Arcano del Mare" was a monumental effort that required a vast amount of information to be gathered, synthesized, and presented in a coherent and usable form. Dudley's work had a significant impact on navigation and maritime science, influencing the development of nautical cartography and naval engineering for centuries. Despite its importance, the atlas was not widely distributed, making existing copies rare and highly valued by collectors and historians.