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Paul of Middelburg (1446-1534) Ain fast nutzlich Buchlein zu diser Zeit.
Augsburg: Simprecht Ruff, 1524.
First German edition, quarto-format pamphlet, text printed in black letter throughout; translation attributed to Ottmar Luscinius; bound in modern paper boards; 8 x 6 in.
Several European astrologers predicted a great flood for February, 1524, owing to all planets converging in the sky under Pisces. Paul of Middelburg's original Latin version, titled Prognosticon, was published in 1523. A proponent of calendar reform in his own right, he consulted Copernicus in his work. Paul was of the opinion that the placement of the planets and stars in the sky would not cause a world-ending flood, and he was right.
Zinner 1264; Thorndike V 217ff.
Ex libris Professor, Astronomer, Historian & Bibliophile Owen Gingerich.
