Liber cronicarum cum figuris et ymaginibus de [SCHEDEL, Hartmann.] - 1493

Nuremberg: Anton Koberger for Sebald Schreyer, 1493. First edition and an outstanding copy of the first illustrated encyclopedia published at the dawn of the discovery period. As a comprehensive contemporary picture of geographical and historical knowledge, the Nuremberg Chronicle as it is called, offers nothing less than a history of the world, and, in its own fashion, expanded the barriers of local cities and states just as the transatlantic voyages expanded the boundaries of the world. As a representative picture of 15th- century geographical and historical knowledge, the work is unsurpassed among incunables, in which books of a religious and liturgical nature predominate. A milestone in the history of printing as well, it contains more illustrations than had ever appeared in a printed book, and as a technical challenge of incunable book production, was superseded only by the first printed book, Gutenbergs Bible, also published in Nuremberg. The magnificent woodcut views (of which 31 are double-page) are in most cases the first printed views of the cities and towns they depict, and offer a representative view of how 15th- century readers pictured places they would most likely never visit. Many, such as the important double-page view of Jerusalem, were based on the most up-to-date reports of travellers (usually merchants). The colophon credits the artists Michael Wolgemut and Wilhelm Pleydenwurff for their contribution, a detail with fascinating implication, since Albrecht Dürer was at this time an apprentice in their workshop. The works author, Hartmann Schedel (1440-1514) was a physician and an important humanist and book collector, whose outstanding library provided much of the research materials for the work. (Schedels private library is today among the most precious collections of the Bayerische Staatsbibliothek in Munich, Germany.) The original publishers contract for the work is extant, providing a revealing window on the complicated production of this enormous project (see further A. Wilson, The Making of the Nuremberg Chronicle). A German edition followed later the same year. *Goff S-307; Hain Copinger 14508; BMC II.437; Schreiber 5203; Adrian Wilson, The Making of the Nuremberg Chronicle (1976).. Imperial folio, [432 x 302 mm.], (20), 299, (1) ff., 2 blanks, (5) ff., 1 blank (including Sarmatian supplement (quire 55) misbound at end). Text in 2 columns, 64 lines, in a rotunda type expressly designed for it. 1809 woodcut illustrations from 645 blocks, of which 31 are double-page; spaces left blank for larger initials. Bound in 17th-century red gold-tooled goatskin (Venetian?), sides panelled and with fan ornament at center and corners, flat spine similarly decorated, gilt edges; repairs at spine and corners, small wormholes at bottom edge of boards; some minor rubbing. Ownership inscription of W.A. Foyle on front end pastedown. Handwritten Latin title-page inserted before printed xylographic title, illegible annotation on title. Discrete mend on t-p; minor repairs to several leaves at margin and gutter; small stain in world map; light dampstain, heavier towards end, some browning, fingersoiling and occasional spotting throughout. Generally a large and very attractive copy.