BIRINGUCCIO, Vannoccio (1480-1539?) - Pirotechnia. Li diece libri della pirotechnia. Venice: Giovan Padovano, 1550. ...

BIRINGUCCIO, Vannoccio (1480-1539?) - Pirotechnia. Li diece libri della pirotechnia. Venice: Giovan Padovano, 1550. Second edition of an early and finely illustrated book on metallurgy, including chapters on mining and obscure alchemy. This work was intended to be of use for masters of a wide range of crafts: of the first edition, Dibner states that it ‘was written for the practicing metallurgist, foundryman, dyer, type-founder, glass-maker, and maker of gunpowder, fireworks and chemicals used in warfare.’ Adams B-2081. 4to (206 x 150mm). Title within woodcut border incorporating pyrotechnic instruments, numerous woodcut illustrations in the text, printer’s device on final leaf, initials (title and second leaf with some small wormholes, some light waterstaining, A4 and A5 with repaired tear, V4 and V5 slightly shorter at bottom margin). Contemporary vellum over early paper boards, manuscript title on spine (some staining and chipping). Provenance: Curtius Signorinus (ownership note on title).