Berlin, Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin, MS 78D12

Book of Fixed Stars of Alfonso the Wise Facsimile Edition

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Catalogue of stars, constellation by constellation, based on the astronomy of Ptolemy as edited by King Alfonso X of Castile, commonly known as the Alfonsine Tables. Once considered a translation, according to its prologue, research has identified it as an original Alfonsine work.

An Original Astronomical Work

It is the first European manuscript to cite the Andromeda Nebula, unknown by Ptolemy. Alfonso X stands out in history as the patron of the first European program of investigation in applied astronomy. The analysis of his body of work makes sense only if one considers that the monarch was interested in this science due to its practical applications (astrology and talismanic magic) and did not attempt to cultivate it as a pure science.

The ultimate expression of this effort to create an original astronomical work is represented by the Alfonsine Tables, which experienced a wide diffusion throughout Europe as of the 1320s and mark the birth of European astronomy.

We have 1 facsimile edition of the manuscript "Book of Fixed Stars of Alfonso the Wise": Tablas de las Constelaciones de Alfonso X el Sabio facsimile edition, published by Patrimonio Ediciones, 2006

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Manuscript book description compiled by the publisher.
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Tablas de las Constelaciones de Alfonso X el Sabio

Valencia: Patrimonio Ediciones, 2006

  • Commentary (English, German, Spanish) by Domínguez Rodríguez, Ana; Treviño Gajardo, Pilar; Martinez Gázquez, José
  • Limited Edition: 999 copies
  • Full-size color reproduction of the entire original document, Book of Fixed Stars of Alfonso the Wise: the facsimile attempts to replicate the look-and-feel and physical features of the original document; pages are trimmed according to the original format; the binding might not be consistent with the current document binding.

Binding

Leather over wooden boards.

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