Books

Very rare first edition of Medina's great navigational treatise, an appealing copy in contemporary vellum. Praised for its fine woodcuts, which are among the earliest to depict man's use of astrolabes, the Regimiento offers the essentials of seamanship in a practical format, and was intended for ship-born pilots; Francis Drake carried a copy during his circumnavigation. It is the natural successor to Medina's more theoretical Arte de navegar (1545). At the time of publication Pedro de Medina (1493-1567) held the role of royal cosmographer, having previously served for a time as tutor to the ducal house of Medina Sidonia, where he had benefitted from access to the library's valuable repository of scientific works. The publication of his first book, Libro de cosmografía (1538) earned him a pilot's license, and his subsequent career was built upon refining the instruments, books, maps, and training relied upon by those voyaging to the New World. His works were as popular as they were innovative; a second edition of the Regimiento was printed in Seville by Simón Carpintero in 1563, and the Arte circulated in a number of editions and translations. The Regimiento is here bound as often without the two leaves of correspondence with senior cosmographer Alonso de Chaves. We can trace just four institutional copies of the first edition - at the New York Public Library (without the same leaves), Yale, National Library of Scotland, and Universitätsbibliothek Rostock. Four appear in auction records: Christie's 2007 (Streeter copy); Sotheby's 1985; Sotheby's 1951 (described as the "second edition" but dated 1 December 1552, totalling 44 leaves, the same copy appearing at Harmsworth also in 1951); Maggs 1928 (containing, "in facsimile, the two leaves which are usually missing at the beginning of the book, consisting of the text of Medina's letter to the cosmographer Chaves, and the reply"). BHA 154; Bibliographia physico-mathematica hispanica I 528; Picatoste no. 465; Wilkinson 12706. Small quarto (214 x 155 mm): [A]2 a-e8 f4; 44 (of 46) leaves, unnumbered, without a1 and a2 as often, comprising the letter addressed to Alonso de Chaves and his reply. Contemporary limp vellum, ties, spine sometime hand-lettered at head. Housed in a black quarter morocco solander box by the Chelsea Bindery. Printed in red and black. Woodcut title vignette of a ship; double-page map of the Atlantic Ocean with adjacent coasts of North and South America, Europe and Africa; 10 large diagrams (predominantly compasses, sundials, but also including the moon and a display of the goniometric instrument Jacob's staff at work); 6 smaller illustrations (demonstrating how to take astrolabe and cross-staff stellar observations for latitude determination); 6 sectional titles with borders or decorative motifs; smaller in-text illustrations; 12 pp. tables; initials. Small faded red stamp to title page verso (the initial "B" crossed with an unfurled banner, lettering illegible); early ownership signature to same ("Josep[?]"); the occasional early ink annotation and underlining to text (such as c5v and d8v, evidence of having been cropped in the binding process). A little skilful refurbishment to vellum, relined to style; a few small, discreet paper repairs, some faint patches of damp; the contents lightly browned, a couple of tiny wormholes not affecting text; overall a very good, well-preserved copy.

"Regimiento de navegación: en que se contienen las reglas, declaraciones y avisos del libro del arte de navegar" by Pedro de Medina stands as a cornerstone in the history of navigation and maritime exploration. First published in the 16th century, this work encapsulates the zenith of the Age of Discovery, a period marked by intense exploration that expanded the boundaries of the known world. Pedro de Medina, a Spanish cartographer, mathematician, and navigation expert, compiled a comprehensive guide that sought to systematize the knowledge and techniques essential for oceanic navigation. This essay delves into the origins, content, significance, and enduring legacy of Medina's seminal work, highlighting its impact on maritime exploration and its place within the broader context of the Renaissance's scientific advancements. Pedro de Medina's work emerged in a period characterized by significant advancements in navigation and exploration. European powers, especially Spain and Portugal, were in the throes of exploring new trade routes to Asia and the Americas. The need for sophisticated navigation techniques was paramount, as sailors ventured beyond coastal waters into the vast and unpredictable open seas. Medina, cognizant of the challenges these explorers faced, aimed to consolidate and disseminate navigational knowledge that was, until then, fragmented and largely based on practical experience. "Regimiento de navegación" is noteworthy for its structured approach to the art of navigation. Medina covers a wide array of topics essential for the navigator, including the use of the astrolabe and quadrant, understanding of celestial bodies for navigation, and the calculation of latitudes and longitudes. Perhaps most importantly, Medina's work provided detailed instructions on the use of the sea chart, an innovation that revolutionized navigation by allowing for more accurate and safer sea voyages. One of the most significant contributions of Medina's book was its practicality. Unlike earlier works that were often theoretical, Medina offered clear, practical advice, accompanied by illustrations and diagrams, making complex concepts accessible to seafarers. His methods for determining latitude by observing the North Star or the sun were particularly influential, as they became standard practice among navigators. The publication of "Regimiento de navegación" marked a significant milestone in maritime history. It was among the first works to systematically compile navigational knowledge, making it a vital reference for navigators across Europe. The book's influence extended beyond Spain's borders, as it was translated into several languages, underscoring its importance in the international maritime community. Medina's contributions were instrumental in the success of numerous expeditions during the Age of Discovery, facilitating the expansion of European empires and the establishment of trade routes. His work reflects the spirit of the Renaissance, characterized by a quest for knowledge and exploration, and contributes to the scientific advancements of the era. The legacy of Pedro de Medina's "Regimiento de navegación" is evident in its lasting impact on the field of navigation. It set a precedent for future navigational guides, emphasizing the importance of a scientific and systematic approach to maritime exploration. The principles and techniques outlined in Medina's work continued to be used and refined well into the subsequent centuries, contributing to the development of modern navigation. Moreover, Medina's book serves as a historical document that offers insights into the state of maritime knowledge and technology in the 16th century. It reminds us of the challenges faced by explorers of the Age of Discovery and the crucial role of navigation in the expansion of the world's horizons.