The attribution of the "Speculum Astronomiae" to Albertus Magnus became a controversial issue when the neo-Thomist historian, Pierre Mandonnet suggested that the author was Roger Bacon rather than Albert. This historiographical case-study considers this debate in the light of an analysis of texts by Albert himself.

Set against the background of discussions taking place in the 1260s, within the Dominican Order as well as in the Faculties of Arts, Zambelli removes all doubt that the "Speculum" was written by Albert, possibly with some collaboration.

Part 1 A historiographical case study: Mandonnet, the "Speculum Astronomiae" and the condemnation of 1277
further condemnations, debates and "consultationes"
Mandonnet's hypothesis - acquiescence and doubts
Thorndike's consistency - his researches on the "Speculum Astronomiae" from 1923 to 1955. Part 2 Discussions on the astronomy at the time of Albert: Albert's "Auctoritas" - contemporaries and collaborators
astrology in the early Dominican school and Gerard of Feltre
astrology in Albert's undisputed works
are "deaf and dumb" stars and their movers at the origins of modern science? - another historiographical case study
not the heavens, but the God alone is endowed with life and the stars are simply His instruments
divine providence and the meaning of "interrogations". Part 3 Traditions, collections and heritage: Albert's biblionomia
the literary tradition of the "Speculum" and its role as a reference book.