The Eighth Sphere
The Treatise on Astrology of Alfonso X the Wise
Exclusive facsimile edition, handcrafted by master bookbinders using the same techniques as 400 years ago.
The most important astronomical treatise of the Middle Ages
It is the first book in the collection of works known as the Book of the Knowledge of Astronomy by Alfonso X the Wise, compiled in the thirteenth century, which was is the basis of astronomy and astrology. European
The cosmological view of the Universe during the Middle Ages
The Eighth Sphere constitutes the first book of the Saber de Astronomía de Alfonso X el Sabio (Knowledge of Astronomy of Alfonso X the Wise).. It describes the sphere of fixed stars, following the medieval cosmological model which conceived the Earth surrounded by eight celestial spheres. Its name alludes precisely to that last sphere, the one that supported the firmament and framed the vision of the universe in the Middle Ages.
It is part of the scientific compilations that Alfonso X the Wise ordered between 1276 and 1279. It was disseminated throughout Europe from the 14th century onwards, with numerous copies being printed at the end of the 15th and 16th centuries. Among these late copies is the (Ms. 11977) of the National Library of Spain and an original work of 49 folios. which is in the Library of the Royal Monastery of El Escorial (Ms. h. 1.15).
The manuscript that deciphered the order of the stars
The 48 constellations of the Eighth Sphere -fixed stars- are organized in three sections: northern, zodiacal and southern constellations. Of each of them The stars and planets that constitute it are listed., is indicated in the position, name and size.
The knowledge of the cosmos in a facsimile reproduced with the techniques of 400 years ago
Large-format edition (42 × 29 cm), consisting of 49 folios that faithfully reproduce the texture and appearance of aged vellum, including its original flyleaves. The interior offers illustrations of the famous alphonsine tables and two-column texts printed in several inks, evoking the splendor of the manuscript. The work is bound in leather, with embossed covers, and is presented in a elegant and robust case, designed to enhance its value and guarantee its conservation.
Details of the pages of Octava Esfera - Tratado de Astronomía de Alfonso X
Eighth Sphere
Relevant data
The Eighth Sphere is the first book of Alfonso X the Wise's Astronomical Knowledge, commonly known as the Alfonsine Tables, and constitutes the birthplace of European astronomy and astrology.
It contains constellation tables organized by regions (northern, zodiacal and southern), detailing the stars, their positions, names and sizes.
The codex, kept in the National Library of Madrid (Ms. 1197), reproduces the copy preserved in the Library of El Escorial, being one of Philip II's favorite books.
Facsimile edition reproduced with the same handcrafted techniques used in the 15th century. Notary numbered facsimile edition of only 370 copies.