Rare books from Oak Knoll Books/Oak Knoll Press

Modena: Franco Cosimo Panini, 2008. velvet binding with precious stones and gilded silver, clamshell case. Illuminated Manuscripts. 8vo. velvet binding with precious stones and gilded silver, clamshell case. 201, 336 pages. Facsimile with accompanying hardcover commentary. One of 980 numbered and signed copies, of which this is additionally stamped on the colophon 'Exhibition Copy'. The Libro d'Ore Durazzo, which takes its name from its last owner, is a small masterpiece by the painter and illuminator, Francesco Marmitta. This remarkable work is in two ways quite different from all other devotional codices for private use. One is the use of purple parchment. The other is chrysography, or writing in letters of gold, the work of the master calligrapher, Pietro Antonio Sallando, who taught at the University of Bologna. The illumination work of a goldsmith and jeweller: The illumination work is by the painter from Parma, Francesco Marmitta (circa 1462/1466-1505), also a renowned jeweller and inlayer,… Read More

Modena: Franco Cosimo Panini, 2008. morocco binding adorned with silver and enamel work and semi-preciuos stones, clamshell case. Illuminated Manuscripts. 8vo. morocco binding adorned with silver and enamel work and semi-preciuos stones, clamshell case. 274, 247 pages. Facsimile with accompanying hardcover commentary. One of 980 signed and numbered copies. This extremely refined masterwork of the Italian Renaissance (1503) was commissioned by Bonaparte Ghislieri, who belonged to a leading family of Bologna. Also Bolognese was the calligrapher, Pietro Antonio Sallando (a grammarian at the city's university and a renowned calligraphy master). A treasury of masterpieces: Ghislieri's intention was to produce a small anthology of the finest illuminations in central and northern Italy. To this end he called upon a number of the leading artists of this period, each of whom was to produce a full-page illumination. Thus, we find works by Amico Aspertini (Adoration of the Shepherds), Perugino (San… Read More

Newtown, Montogomeryshire: Gregynog Press, 1931. Welsh natural sheepskin, spine titled in black, a signed binding by the Gregynog Press Bindery, later cloth clamshell box with cloth spine label with title printed in black. Gregynog Press. 4to. Welsh natural sheepskin, spine titled in black, a signed binding by the Gregynog Press Bindery, later cloth clamshell box with cloth spine label with title printed in black. (viii), 146, (2) pages. Translated out of Frensshe into Englysshe by: William Caxton. With engravings on wood by Agnes Miller Parker. Limited to 250 numbered copies (Harrop 20). Some light wear and rubbing to the leather along the edges and edges of the covers. Very light toning to the spine. Else an excellent copy in well-preserved condition. Printed in Bembo type on Barcham Green hand-made paper. Contains an engraved title page illustration, 36 wood-engravings in the text by Agnes Miller Parker and wood-engraved initial letters by William MacCance. Some fading of covers along top edge and… Read More

Londini (London), United Kingdom: Petrus Short, 1600. quarter vellum, paste paper coverd boards, vellum tips, red and black leather spine label, gilt lettering on spine, clamshell box. Magnetism. 4to. quarter vellum, paste paper coverd boards, vellum tips, red and black leather spine label, gilt lettering on spine, clamshell box. [xvi], 240 pages. First edition. Gilbert's (1544-1603) De Magnete is "a remarkable work in the history of scientific discovery. Handwritten corrections, thought to be in Gilbert's own hand, on pp. 11, 22, and 47, but not on 14 or 63 as in some other copies. Minor soiling to covers and minor wear to leather spine labels. Two ex-libris bookplates, one of "Liechtensteinanis" and a more recent bookplate of "Cornelius Hauck Collection, Cincinnati, OH" on front pastedown. Errata slip bound in correcting the error on the spine indicating the date is "1550" when it is in fact "1600". Occasional foxing throughout the text. Previouslly featured at an auction at Christies in 2006. A… Read More

Berlin, Germany: Georg Reimer, 1847. later 19th/early 20th century quarter cloth over heavy hardstock binding, printed label on upper cover. Physics. 8vo. later 19th/early 20th century quarter cloth over heavy hardstock binding, printed label on upper cover. [iv], 72 pages. First edition of the first comprehensive statement of the law of conservation of energy, one of the classic texts in the history of science. Minor bump to front upper board. Minor shelfwear. Paper label on cover with minor chipping at edges. Small focused discoloration to the outer margins of pages 5-26, not affecting the text. Else a near fine copy housed in a lovely later clamshell box. 'On the basis of this short paper, written when he was only twenty-six, Helmholtz is ranked as one of the founders, along with Joule and Mayer, of the principle of conservation of energy' (Norman Catalogue). This work was 'an outcome of [Helmholtz's] interest in the problem of perpetual motion. Leaning heavily on the value of experience in the… Read More

Dresden and Leipzig, Germany: Fridereici Hekelii, 1734. full contemporary calf, six raised bands, leather spine labels, gilt lettering on spine. large 4to. full contemporary calf, six raised bands, leather spine labels, gilt lettering on spine. (16), 160, 165-452 pp., 25 engraved plates; (12), 164, (2), 165-386 pp., 26 engraved plates; (14), 534 pp., 72 engraved plates. 3 Volumes. All three volumes are the first edition. Condition notes are below following the description of each volume. Text in Latin. The works of philosopher and theologian Emanuel Swedenbourg (1688-1772). Dedication to Prince Ludwig Rudolph of Brunswick. This is the first of Swedenborg's major works, and laid the groundwork for his later works on philosophy and theology. Each volume with three parts, and each part has its unique title with imprint. Large map on thick paper on Siberian mines engraved by J. F. Leihzelt "Charta ofwer Siberiskae bruuks grufe dehlar, som och Toblska Werkaturska lagsaga..." (490x650 mm). Vol. II has no… Read More

Argentorati (Strasbourg), France: Johann Reinhold Dulsseker, 1738. contemporary vellum in later half leather, marbled paper-covered clamshell box. 8vo. contemporary vellum in later half leather, marbled paper-covered clamshell box. (vi), 304 pages, plates. First edition. Brunet I, 803. With ownership inscription of P.C.G. Volkmar of Helmstadt. dated 1765 on front free endpaper. Ex-library with markings. Pencil and ink notations on endpapers. Else a near fine copy in a lovely later clamshell box. Text in Latin. Dedication, preface, table of contents. Bernoulli's epochal work on fluids and gases. "A milestone in the study of the flow of fluids. In this work he established the 'Bernouilli Principle' that as the velocity of a fluid increases, its pressure decreases... Of particular interest are his critical observations on his father's theories". Twelve foldout plates, with 78 figures illustrating Bernoulli's research follow text.

Leipzig, Germany: J. Grossium & J. F. Gleditschium, typis Christophori Guntheri, 1685. In contemporary German vellum binding, blued edges. thick 8vo. In contemporary German vellum binding, blued edges. (xii), 402, (6); (viii), 561, (7); (ii), 591, (7); (vi), 595, (13) pages. [as part of a run of volumes comprising Acta eruditorum years 1682 to 1685]. Text in Latin. Union List 1, 53. Four volumes (1682, 1683, 1684, and 1685) bound as one. Numerous diagrams and illustrations. Lacking the frontispiece for all four volumes. Errata follow text in each volume. A bit of marginal waterstaining at start. Hinges cracked, usual for a vellum binding of this thickness. Four dedication leaves misbound in Vol. I.. Plates XIX and XX out of sequence in Vol. I. Plate XI bound upside down in Vol II. Overall a lovely, clean copy. Four volumes bound in one. Acta Eruditorum was the first scientific journal published in German-speaking lands, founded in 1682 by Otto Mencke, its first editor, and Gottfried Liebniz. It… Read More

Paris, France: Editions de l'Ibis, 1925. illustrated chamis cover, custom cloth clamshell box with cloth label with the author and title in gilt, loose signatures, as issued. 4to. illustrated chamis cover, custom cloth clamshell box with cloth label with the author and title in gilt, loose signatures, as issued. xxv, 75 pages, 20 plates. One of 500 numbered copies, of which this is one of 60 copies, signed by Saudé. Also included are the three supplements and subscribers 'prospectus' sheet, as well as proofs on heavier blue paper of the front and rear cover illustrations. Additional loosely inserted are four proofs of the pochoir decorated pastedowns of the chemise. Rubbing along the edges, spine, and hinges of the chemise. All-in-all, a spectacular copy of the deluxe edition with additional material loosely inserted. The plates include work by Lepape, Rodin, Albert Besnard, Andre-Morisset and others. The text on the technique of pochoir printing is by Antoine Bourdelle, Lucien Descanves and Sem.… Read More

Parma, Italy: Nel Regal Palazzo, Co' Tipi Bodoniani (Bodoni for Regal Palazzo), 1800. quarter leather over decorated paper covered boards. Bodoni, Giambattista. folio. quarter leather over decorated paper covered boards. 8, xxvii; 14, xliii; 11, xxxiii pages, followed by 35 plates, one folding. First folio edition, which was considered the sumptuous deluxe edition in folio, with the text printed in three parts: Italian (by De Rossi), French (by De Lama), and Spanish (by Baroni and Arteaga). Recorded by Giani as "rarissima e preziose" and was limited to 200 copies. French title PEINTURES D'ANTONIO ALLEGRI SURNOMMÉ LE CORREGE QUI EXISTENT A PARME DANS LE COUVENT DE SAINT PAUL (A Parme Dans Le Palais Royal, Avec Les Caracteres de Bodoni). Brooks 775; Lester, pp. 133-134. Top corners bumped. Exlibris bookplate on front pastedown. Very light spotting and foxing to interior pages, else a fine copy of this spectacular production from one of the most famed Italian printers of the 18th/19th centuries.… Read More

The Brook, Hammersmith, United Kingdom: Eragny Press pour la Société des Cent Bibliophiles, 1909. supple gray calfskin, repeated golden floral ornaments on the sides, smooth spine, leather lining of the same skin, later marbled paper covered boards slipcase with leather fore-edge. Eragny Press. 8vo. (222 x 144 mm). supple gray calfskin, repeated golden floral ornaments on the sides, smooth spine, leather lining of the same skin, later marbled paper covered boards slipcase with leather fore-edge. [87 leaves (including blanks); pp. 159, (i). The beautiful Eragny Press edition limited to 130 numbered copies printed on Arches with watermark 'Les Cent Bibliophiles', of which this copy is numbered 31 for nominatif being for 'De scamps-Scrive'. From the René De scamps-Scrive library (1925, vol III, n°244). The smallest hint of discoloration to the spine, else a fine copy. M. Rene Descamps-Scrive (1853-1924) was a well-known bibliophile and philanthropist that collected titles in publishing, bookbinding,… Read More

Geneva: self published, 1574. Recently bound vellum, cloth slipcase. Book Selling. small 8vo. Recently bound vellum, cloth slipcase. (8), 31, 120 pages. First and only edition of the printer's own laudatory account of the Frankfurt Fair based on his experiences selling books there the previous year. Adams S1768; Renouard Estienne, 139:2; Schreiber Estienne, 189; Simon, Bibliotheca Bacchia II, 235. Collation: *4, a-i8, k4, woodcut printer's device to title by Elhen von Wolfhagen, Tilemann (1347-1420), decorative head-pieces and initials. Water-staining to preliminary pages and spotting, lightly browned, British Museum duplicate with ink stamps to verso of title (showing through) and foot of verso of final f. Provenance: British Museum duplicate (stamps); Otto Schäfer Stiftung, Schweinfurt, Germany, with his monogram on the rear paste-down (also in Bibliothek Otto Schäfer, 1995, p. 67-68); H.P.Kraus (bookplate, his sale, Sotheby's New York, 4 April 2003, lot 226), with corresponding pencil… Read More

London: Fielding and Walker, 1778. half calf over marbled paper boards, five raised bands on spine, gilt on spine. 4to. half calf over marbled paper boards, five raised bands on spine, gilt on spine. iv, 596; 629, (1) pages, plus 50 (of 51) maps and plates (some folding). 2 Volumes. First edition of this scarce history of America by William Russell. SABIN 74383. HOWES R539. BELL R432. SERVIES 549. ESTC T114880. BEINECKE LESSER ANTILLES COLLECTION 319. This copy has been rebound by the noted bookbinder, Jan Sobota, in a lovely reproduction of a contemporary binding, with his signature on the rear pastedown of volume one. Lacking only one of the 51 plates originally accomanying this set (plate 2, opposite page 1). Plate 44 has been repaired, lacking one-third of the original plate. Only the slightest hint of foxing throughout, with minor finger smudges. Very minor offsetting by the plates to the opposite pages. Minor repairs throughout by an obviously skilled restoration expert, most likely Sobota… Read More

Venetiis (Venice): in aedibus Aldi Manutii (Aldus Manutius) for Leonardus Crassus, 1499. early limp vellum, yap edges, paper spine label with title and date. Aldine Press. folio (308 x 212 mm). early limp vellum, yap edges, paper spine label with title and date. a-y8, z10, A-E8, F3. First edition of one of the most celebrated incunables, considered by many to be the most beautiful of all printed Venetian books of the Renaissance. The presumed author, Francesco Colonna, was a Dominican monk of the Zattere at Venice (the author's identity did not become evident until the 18th century when it was noticed that the 38 initials of the individual sections form the famous acrostic: "Poliam Frater Franciscus Columna Peramavit" - Brother Franciscus Columna loved Polia very much). The Hypnertomachia Poliphili was printed in Venice by Aldus Manutius in his re-cut Bembo type, which was cast by Francesco Griffo of Bologna. The book has become extremely rare in recent years and is a highly desired "masterpiece of… Read More

Easthampton, MA: Cheloniidae Press, 1986. full red morocco, clamshell box. Cheloniidae Press. large 8vo. full red morocco, clamshell box. 54 pages. An unique manuscript edition of A Fowl Alphabet made after the initial run of 231 copies printed in the fall of 1986. Signed by Alan James Robinson and Suzanne Moore on the colophon. Fine in fine clamshell box. This manuscript was created in December 1986. This copy is a collection of twenty-six original watercolors hand-painted by Alan James Robinson and a newly designed alphabet by Suzanne Moore. For the lettering, Suzanne Moore used a variety of inks and gilt to create stunning imagery and feel. The binding is a unique full-leather artists binding by Daniel Kelm in red morocco, title tooled on front cover in blind and gilt. The bound manuscript is about 40% larger than the first edition. The paper is vintage handmade. Text from ANIMATE CREATION written by Rev. J.G. Wood in 1885. The illustrations are each accompanied by an initial letter and the… Read More