Books of the Wisdom of Astrology of Alfonso X

Alfonso X, the Wise, King of Castile, León, and Galicia (1221–1284), was a great patron of the sciences and advocate of religious tolerance in his kingdom
Between 1276 and 1279, he commissioned Jehudá ha-Cohen, Abraham de Burgos, and other scholars to create Castilian translations of 16 Aramaic and Arabic treatises
In this manuscript, these astronomical and astrological texts are accompanied by various didactic diagrams and illustrations of astronomical instruments

Books of the Wisdom of Astrology of Alfonso X

MS 156 Biblioteca Complutense (Madrid, Spain)

Description

Books of the Wisdom of Astrology of Alfonso X

King Alfonso X of Castile, León, and Galicia (1221–1284), also known as “the Wise,” went down in history as one of the most learned and open-minded rulers of the European Middle Ages. In his multi-ethnic kingdom, he promoted religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence, which benefited not only the population and the economy, but above all the sciences. For these he had a great passion – especially for astronomy and astrology – and he supported numerous scholars. Their main task was to collect the extensive knowledge of Jewish and Arab scholars, which they studied and translated into Latin and Spanish, thus making it accessible to the entire Latin West. The Books of the Wisdom of Astrology of Alfonso X is one of the few manuscripts resulting from this endeavor that has survived to this day. It comprises 16 astronomical-astrological treatises, accompanied by dozens of fascinating diagrams and illustrations of instruments for studying the celestial objects.

Codicology

Alternative Titles: Libros del Saber de Astronomía del Rey Alfonso X
Astronomisch-astrologischer Codex König Alfons X., dem Weisen
Book of the Wisdom of Astrology
Libro del saber de astrología
Livre du savoir de l'astrologie
Libro delle conoscenze astrologiche
Type: Manuscript on parchment
Size / Format: 402 pages / 42.0 × 30.0 cm
Origin: Spain
Date: Ca. 1276–1279
Epochs: Late Middle Ages Onwards
Style: Gothic
Genre: Astronomy / Astrology
Language: Spanish
Script: Gothic Textura
Illustrations: Dozens of didactic diagrams and illustrations of astrological instruments as well as 162 decorated initials
Content: Collection of astronomical-astrological treatises on celestial bodies and astronomical instruments
Patron: King Alfonso X the Wise (1221–1284)
Artist / School: Jehudá ha-Cohen (translator)
Abraham de Burgos (translator)
Previous Owners: Queen Isabella the Catholic
Cardinal Cisneros

Available facsimile editions:

Facsimile Editions

#1 Libros del Saber de Astronomía del Rey Alfonso X

Limited Edition: 980 copies

Binding: Brown full-leather binding with gold tooling

Commentary: 1 volume by Manuel Sanchez Mariana, Ana Dominguez, Julio Samso and Manuel Rico y Sinobas
Language: Spanisch

1 volume: Exact reproduction of the original document (extent, color and size) Reproduction of the entire original document as detailed as possible (scope, format, colors). The binding may not correspond to the original or current document binding.

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Books of the Wisdom of Astrology of Alfonso X