M. Manili astronomicon libri quinque

Apud Mamertum Patissonium, Roberti Stephani (Mamert Patisson, Robert Estienne), Lutetiae (Paris) 1579, in-8 (10x16 cm), (12)136pp(8); 292pp(10), 2 parts bound in one volume

First edition, rare. The first part has separate pagination and consists of the text by Manilius (italics), the second part, which has its own title page and pagination, contains Scaliger's commentary, which is twice as long as the text. This second part is accompanied by several diagrams, including inset. Printer's marks on both title pages.

Full contemporary parchment. Spine with title in black ink. Right corner missing a little on the upper board. Open 3mm border on the lower board.

Manilius' Astronomica, Latin poet and astronomer from the beginning of the first century, is a didactic poem on astronomy and astrology. The first book is a description of the sky, the second is devoted to the zodiac, the third teaches how to establish a horoscope by observing the skies, the forth book is an analysis of the peoples of the earth according to the astral influence, and the last book gives an explanation of the influence of the planets according to their positions. It will be noted that for the first time in the history of astrology the concept of “House”, that is still used, was mentioned.
Scaliger's commentary and reflections are the first to exist on this work. Scaliger, as we know, was one of the most important scholars of the 16th century and succeeded Justus Lipsius at Leiden University. His interest in chronology, astrology and astronomy accompanied him throughout his life. However, his critics criticised him in this field for an approximation in his sources and a certain error in his judgments on ancient astronomy.