Riccioli's Almagestum Novum, published in 1651 was the most comprehensive textbook of Astronomy written in its time. This huge work first published as a 2 volume, 1500-paged folio edition has remained largely unconquered by translators until now. Michal J A Paszkiewicz has begun the process to translate the full work from cover to cover and allow those interested to get a deep understanding of the perspectives of 17th century Astronomers.

This volume of the project covers the front matter of the original book, consisting of a summary of the issues present in the field of Astronomy at the time, a study of the whole History of Astronomy, and a full Encyclopaedia of notable Astronomers and Astrologers.