This is the handsome title page from the Dutch edition of Kircher's famous Mundus Subterraneus (Subterranean World), published in Amsterdam by Johannes Janssonius van Waesberge. An engraving below the title features the phrase "Sapiens dominabitur astris" ("The wise man will rule through the stars"), a maxim often attributed to Ptolemy (although it is more likely from the work of Islamic astrologer Abu Ma'shar al-Balkhi). At the center of the engraving is an allegorical figure writing in an open book with a globe to the right showing men in a subterranean tunnel. Surrounding her are the mysteries and wonders of the world, including erupting volcanoes, fossils, and an alchemist's alembic. Measurements refer to the size of the engraved image; the whole sheet with text measures 9.3 x 14.8".

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Condition: B+

There are two small wormtracks just below the engraved image, both of which have been infilled with archival materials. A small chip in the bottom right corner has been replaced with old paper, and there is light soiling in the margins.