A handbook of medieval Latin astronomical tables

Abstract

With Computational Astronomy in the Middle Ages José Chabás has created a handbook and valuable reference work of medieval astronomical sets of tables in Latin. More than 350 manuscripts were evaluated, in addition to the already edited sets. The sets of tables thus cataloged are listed in chronological order and assigned to the following chapters: Before Al-Andalus, From East to West, The Making of Alfonsine Tables, and From about 1350 to 1500. This clear structure makes it possible to study in more detail the epochs of development of computational astronomy in the European Middle Ages. However, I see an even greater benefit in using the book as a reference tool to identify astronomical tables witnessed in manuscripts. For each set of tables, the state of research and a short characterization is given. Especially valuable is the detailed and reliable listing of the individual tables. In particular, the indications of characteristic numerical values allow a quick orientation when it comes to assigning a hitherto unknown table. In addition, selected manuscript illustrations (48 in total, mostly in color) give an impression of the mise-en-page of the plates, which can also be an aid in assignment. Often, even after the listing of the individual panels there is a summary section in which the further reception of the set is discussed or its underlying sources are presented. A useful bibliography of the transmitted manuscripts and secondary literature concludes the subchapters on each of the table sets discussed. The special achievement of this approach lies not only in the clear structuring and the handbook-like compilation of all previous research, but especially in its expansion through the evaluation of the manuscripts. The in-depth examination of the manuscripts and prints justifiably revises decisions of the present editions (see, e.g., p. 257), so that it will be essential for future researchers to consult Chabás’s volume in addition to the manuscripts. The handbook also includes preparatory remarks that may spur further research. In the chapter on John of Lignères, for example, 11 different manuscripts with related tables are presented (pp. 193–196), whose exact relation to each other still needs further examination. 1169116 JHA0010.1177/00218286231169116Journal for the History of AstronomyBook Reviews book-review2023