Ramelli, Agostino (circa 1531-1608)
Le Diverse et Artificiose Machine.

Paris: In Casa del'Autore, 1588.

First edition, folio, lacking text leaf Y1 (folio 295), and final two leaves: Kk1 & Kk2 (folios 337 & 338), engraved title page with architectural border, portrait of Ramelli within a similar style border on verso of title, illustrated throughout with 193 of 195 full and double-paged engravings of machines (plates are numbered i through cxcv, although cxlviii and cxlix are combined in one plate); text in French and Italian, each page printed within border of typographical ornaments; this copy purchased from John Howell in San Francisco, with typed description; bound in period parchment over boards, with parchment covering slit open to accommodate raised spines and covered with strips of alum-tawed leather secured under the parchment, hole in front board, boards warped, front joint cracked at head, 13 1/2 x 9 in.

Ramelli planned this lavish self-published work with an eye to discouraging unauthorized pirated editions. Long regarded as a high spot of book design, the impressive machines of industry, war, and amusement still entrance the reader.

Mortimer, Harvard French 452; Cockle 788; Spaulding & Karpinski 43; Dibner 173; Norman 1777; Wellcome 5323 Brunet IV 1095.

Provenance: from the Stephen White Collection.