Volume 2 of Marggrafes astronomical legacy is a supplementary text that includes a text edition of his astronomical legacy, prepared for the printing press in the 1650s but only now finalized and published. Volume 1 presents Marggrafes stunning biography.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 04 November 2022
Publisher: Amsterdam University Press

Georg Marggrafe (1610-1643): A Pioneer in Astronomy and Cartography

Georg Marggrafe (1610-1643) is a renowned figure in the history of astronomy and cartography. He is widely recognized as the principal author of an influential account of the natural history of Northern Brazil and as the compiler of the first accurate map of the area, which is considered one of the most elegant products of seventeenth-century Dutch cartography. However, Marggrafe's initial ambition was to become known in astronomy. With the support of Johan Maurits van Nassau-Siegen, then governor-general of colonial Dutch Brazil, he built the first European-style astronomical observatory on the South American continent in Recife. There, he systematically charted the southern stars, intending to supplement the famous astronomer Tycho Brahe, who charted the Northern sky half a century before. Unfortunately, Marggrafe's untimely death (and the negligence of a Leiden professor) prevented the publication of his valuable observations. As a result, Marggrafe did not achieve fame in astronomy, but instead became famous for his equally remarkable other achievements.

Volume 2: A Supplementary Text

Volume 2 of "Georg Marggrafe's Legacy" is a supplementary text that presents a text edition of Marggrafe's astronomical legacy, prepared for the printing press in the 1650s but only now finalized and published. Volume 1 of the series presents Marggrafe's stunning biography, providing a comprehensive overview of his life and work.

Weight: 340g
Dimension: 154 x 234 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789463722285