| Lapidario (Lapidary), written by
Alfonso X the Wise. Facsimile edition of the First Lapidary contained
in the first 94 sheets of the ms. H.I.15 of the Library of El Escorial
(Madrid), at original size (29,1 x 40,2 cm), on parchment paper printed
in 8+8 colours, which are the most faithful reproduction of its 638
full-coloured miniatures and initial letters. The supplementary
volume, of the same format and bound in a tablet covered with leather
and dry stamped as the facsimile, contains three studies in its 256
pages: the first one is the text transcription, the second one has a
scientific nature and studies the stars, constellations, stones and
minerals an their application to medicine, alchemy, magic, etc. and
was carried out by Jose Luis Amorós Portolés, and the third one is a
detailed study on the astrology and art of the Lapidary, carried out
by the expert Ana Domínguez Rodríguez. The Lapidary is the first book to come out of Alfonso's workshop, in 1253, and it gives rise to the King's creative phase (Libros de Axedrez, Dados et Tablas closes it in 1284). It is the first book written in Castilian prose -early Spanish in 13th century- and the first relevant scientific book written in the Iberian Peninsula and in Europe. ISBN 84-85197-24-O |
