First and only edition of this Dutch mathematical manual devoted to the construction and calculation of the 5 Platonic solids, while at the same time serving as a practical handbook for the design and inscription of sundials upon their faces. The work was written by the Amsterdam architect, mathematician, and drawing master Adrianus Erzey (1719-1777), whose later publication, Bouwkunst (1777), dealt with the principles of civil architecture.
In his extensive and revealing preface, Erzey explains that the book originated not as a commercial publication but as a private set of notes compiled for his own pleasure and instruction.
With an ownership stamp on the front pastedown, "Christopher St. J. H. Daniel, ex libris". Christopher St. J. H. Daniel (1933-2022) was a co-founder and later President of the British Sundial Society, a noted author, and one of the United Kingdoms foremost sundial designers, best known for designing the equinoctial mean-time sundial at Greenwich for Queen Elizabeth IIs (1926-2022) Silver Jubilee in 1977. An untrimmed copy, the title-page shows some browning and a minor tear in the upper margin (not affecting the text). Otherwise in very good condition. Bierens de Haan 1357; STCN 181899299 (9 copies); WorldCat 319805915, 914257948.