Systema Cosmicum, Authore Galilaeo Galilaei... in quo Quatuor Dialogis, de Duobus Maximus Mundi Systematibus, Ptolemaico & Copernicano. [Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems].

First Latin edition of the Dialogo, the summation of Galileo's astronomical thought and the work which directly precipitated his 1663 trial and judgement for heresy. Preceded only by the first Italian edition, published in Florence in 1632. Quarto, bound in full red Jansenist morocco by Marius Michel with gilt titles and five raised bands to the spine, double gilt ruled turn-ins and elaborately gilt ruled and scrolled inner dentelles stamp-signed by Michel, marbled endpapers, all edges gilt. Additional engraved title page depicting a dialogue between Aristotle, Ptolemy and Copernicus, engraved portrait of Galileo by Jacob van der Heyden, errata leaf. The Dialogo takes the form of a conversation between supporters of the rival cosmic systems; although ostensibly impartial, it proved a step too far, and in 1633 Galileo was tried, forced to abjure Copernicanism and sentenced to permanent house arrest. The Dialogo itself was banned. This Latin edition includes two tracts in the appendix not in the Italian edition of 1632, and it is the only major work of Galileo's to be published outside Italy during his lifetime. The two added Latin tracts are the introduction to Kepler's Astronomia nova (pp. 459-464), and a letter by Paolo Antonio Foscarini defending the truth of Copernicanism and rebutting the charge that it conflicted with scripture (pp. 465-495). Brunet II, 1462; Carli and Favaro 148; Cinti 96; Riccardi I, 513; Willems 426; PMM 128. Provenance: from the library of Albert Linemann, 1603-1654, astronomer and professor of mathematics at the University of Konigsberg, inscription to the title page. Born in Fischhausen, Linemann was a mathematician and professor known in part for his critical stance against astrological interpretations of the time. Subsequently from the renowned library of American astronomer and historian of science at Harvard University Owen Gingerich, bookplate to the pastedown. In near fine condition with light rubbing to the extremities, lower margin of engraved title extended.