Wilkins, John (1614-1672) Mathematicall Magick or the Wonders that may be Performed by Mechanicall Geometry. Octavo, A7 (lacking A1, preliminary blank), B-T8, V4; illustrated throughout with text woodcuts, metalcuts, and engravings; bound in later blind-tooled and sponge-decorated English calf boards, modern rebacking, ex libris James Brydges, third Duke of Chandos (1731-1789), with his ca. 1744-1771 bookplate bearing the Marquiss of Carnarvon title; signed on ffep by the Duke's father-in-law, John Nicol of Southgate, Minchington Hall, and one-time owner of the Chandos portrait of William Shakespeare; typed letter signed by Australian polar explorere, ornithologist, pilot, soldier, geographer, and photographer Sir George Hubert Wilkins (1888-1958) dated December 23, 1954, addressed to Zenith Radio founder Commander Eugene F. McDonald (1886-1958) inserted, regarding new hearing aids sent from McDonald to Wilkins, mention of Wilkins's upcoming tour, Walt Disney, his Nautilus expedition, and Verne's inspiration to write Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea after reading Mathematicall Magick; one text leaf with closed tear, formerly repaired with yellowed tape; 6 3/4 x 4 in. London: by M[iles]. F[lesher]. for Sa. Gellibrand, 1648.

 

One of three first edition variants printed in 1648, with "by I.W." on the title page and the words "wonders" and "powers" each spelled with a "vv"; Wing W-2198; ESTC R227427.

 

Condition: Bound in contemporary or near-contemporary boards, modern rebacking and label. One leaf torn and formerly repaired with yellowed tape, text generally good, some light occasional spotting; old inscriptions slight marks and small holes to title, contents generally good.