BIRINGUCCIO, Vannoccio (1480-ca.1539) - Pirotechnia. Li diece libri della pirotechnia. Venice: Giovan Padovano, 1550.   Second edition of an early and finely illustrated book on metallurgy, including chapters on mining and obscure alchemy. This work, divided in ten books, was intended to be of use for masters of a wide range of crafts: of the first edition, Dibner states that it "was written for the practicing metallurgist, foundryman, dyer, type-founder, glass-maker, and maker of gunpowder, fireworks and chemicals used in warfare" (Dibner, "Heralds of Science" 38).   4to (198 x 140mm). Printer's device on title and at end, title within an elaborate woodcut border, woodcut initials and numerous illustrations (cropped at upper margin, clean tear at title, marginal restorations at the first two leaves, some faded leaves in the first gathering and in T, browning, waterstains at the inner margin, occasional soiling). Contemporary vellum, gilt decorations on spine, decorative drawing on the front cover (stains and rubbing, chipping on spine).

Estimate € 600 - 900

Sold € 850