KIRCHER, Athanasius (1602-1680) - La Chine illustrée de plusiers monuments tant Sacrs que Profanes. Amsterdam: Jan Jansson and the heirs of Elive Weyerstraet, 1670. First French edition of this work considered one of the most important among Kircher's pubblications and for which the author drew on the work of the Jesuits in China, including Johann Adam Schall, Bento de Goes, Martin Martini, Johann Grueber, Michael de Boym and Heinrich Roth. In the first Latin edition of 1667, Kircher publishes for the first time important documents relating to the geography, botany, zoology, religion and language of China. Kircher was the first to include a Chinese vocabulary in his work and to publish an alphabet of Sanskrit grammar in the West. Folio (380 x 245mm). Engraved frontispiece dated 1667, 22 (of 24) engraved plates which also include some maps, 2 double-page and 2 folding, numerous engraved illustrations (lacking a portrait and a plate, frontispiece reinforced, some brownind and staining, some marginal tears, final leaf with larger tear). Slightly later half vellum, manuscript title on spine (some wear to extremities).

Estimate € 600 - 900

Sold € 1,100