Isaac Newton’s Principia Mathematica – Collector’s Edition

A Design That Honors Newton's Genius

Isaac Newton's Principia Mathematica (1687) established the laws of motion and universal gravitation that govern everything from falling apples to orbiting planets. This collector's edition reimagines Newton's masterwork through innovative book design: three individually bound volumes housed within a single cover, allowing you to explore each of Newton's three books as separate art objects.

What Makes This Edition Unique

• Three-in-one creative binding: The three main chapters of Principia (The Motion of Bodies, The Movement of Bodies Through Resisting Mediums, and The System of the World) are bound separately as individual books, all contained within the main cover unbound. Open them side by side, display them separately, or read them as one continuous work
• Visible spine binding: The spine is left bare, displaying a part of the book that usually remains hidden. This binding also allows the book to open wider for easier reading
• Premium paper: Printed on Munken Polar, where the crisp white tone and smooth uncoated surface provides an exclusive, natural feel. Interior pages are 100g for body; covers are 260g
• Minimalist typography: Set in The Serif, designed by Lucas de Groot (1994), a Roman serif font with high readability and well-proportioned forms. Wide margins counter the density of the printed area, and a geometric grid adapts to text, margin notes, and graphics
• Handcrafted details: Dry embossing with Greek letters (alpha, beta, gamma) on each volume's cover, adding a touch of elegance
• Two bold direct colours: Petrol blue and coral orange complement each other throughout the design
• Complete text: Based on Andrew Motte's first American translation, revised by N.W. Chittenden

The Design Philosophy

We talk about mathematics, we talk about physics, but we also talk about design. The aim was to provide a minimalist aesthetic in juxtaposition to the complexity of the subject. The cleaner the page, the easier it is to understand and read. The covers are clean and pure with very little information, leading the reader to think: what is this book hiding? The Greek letters alpha, beta and gamma emphasise this enigmatic aspect.

Inside, colour backgrounds mark the beginning of each section, while index pages are printed on heavier paper to naturally fall open at that point. Every design decision serves the reading experience.

What's Inside

Newton's three laws of motion. The law of universal gravitation. The mathematical framework that made modern physics, engineering, and space exploration possible. From planetary orbits to projectile motion, from tidal forces to the shape of the Earth, every foundational concept of classical mechanics is here.

Perfect For

• Physics students and professors seeking a beautiful reference edition
• Book collectors and bibliophiles who appreciate fine printing and creative binding
• Designers interested in how editorial design can serve scientific content
• Science enthusiasts looking for a meaningful gift
• Anyone who wants to own one of the most important books in human history

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this the complete text of Newton's Principia?

Yes. This edition contains the complete text of all three books of Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica, based on Andrew Motte's first American translation revised by N.W. Chittenden.

How many copies were printed?

This is a limited edition of approximately 1,000 copies worldwide. Each copy is carefully produced with premium Munken Polar paper and handcrafted binding details.

Why are there three separate books inside?

Newton originally structured his Principia in three books. This edition honors that structure by binding each book individually, allowing readers to explore them as separate art objects or read them as one continuous work.

Is this a good gift for a physics student or professor?

Absolutely. This collector's edition combines the complete scientific text with exceptional design and premium materials, making it both a reference work and a beautiful object for any physicist's library.

Specifications

• Format: Three individually bound books + main cover
• Binding: Visible exposed spine
• Paper: Munken Polar 100g (interior), 260g (covers)
• Colours: Petrol blue and coral orange
• Typography: The Serif by Lucas de Groot
• Translation: Andrew Motte (first American edition), revised by N.W. Chittenden
• Print run: Approximately 300 copies remaining
• Publisher: Kronecker Wallis, Barcelona