A Tutor to Astronomy and Geography. Or an easie and speedy way to know the USE of both the GLOBES, Celestial and Terrestrial.

Third Edition of this Rare Work

Engraved decorative half title depicting portraits of Ptolemy and Tycho Brahe with a plan of London below, ownership note of Edward Walpole to title, numerous woodcut and copper engraved text illustrations and diagrams, occasional thumbing,speckled calf, tri-ruled in gilt, spine gilt with floral motifs, London, Thomas Royroft, for the author, 1674

This is an important work concerning geography and astronomy by the hydrographer to Charles II, Joseph Moxon (1627-1691).

As well numerous published works, he produced maps, globes and mathematical instruments. The Tutor to Astronomie and Geographie is loosely based on Blaeu’s “Institutio Astronomica”, with numerous woodcuts and engravings including Atlas carrying the heavens on his shoulders.

This work also describes the globes, maps and instruments that could be purchased at Moxon’s establishment in London. In the introduction makes clear that his globes are the most up-to-date available and that they incorporate the latest geographical findings such as “California is found to be an Island”, amendments to the coasts of China, Japan and in the South sea, and the Dutch discoveries of “Hollandia Nova, Zelandia Nova and Anthoni Van Dieman’s Land”.

Provenance: Edward Walpole (1706-1784) signed his name to the title and in the margin of 2D2. Edward Walpole was a British politician, like his father Sir Robert Walpole. He was the nephew of Horace Walpole, the first Prime Minister of Great Britain.

[Wing M3024; ESTC R31059]