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Author: Lotichius, Joannes Petrus
Title: Rerum Germanicarum Sub Matthia, Ferdinandis II. & III. IMPP. Gestarum, Libri LV...
Place Published: Frankfurt am Main
Publisher:Typis exscripti Wolfgangi Hoffmani, Impensa Matthaei Meriani
Date Published: 1646-50
Description:

2 volumes. [xl], 8, 1154, [21], [3] pp.; [xxxiv], 984, [20] pp. Woodcut head- and tail-pieces, and initials, engraved title pages, vignette on printed titles, four illustrations in text, engraved portrait of Lotichius, and 115 engraved plates, the vast majority of which are double-page, including six maps, and six four-page folding views of battles. ;(Folio) 33.7x19.8 cm (13¼x7¾"), contemporary paneled calf, tooled in gilt and blind with fleuron cornerpieces in blind, six raised bands with elaborately gilt compartments, title stamped in gilt, armorial centerpiece in top compartment and calligraphic monogram at tail, marbled edges and endpapers. ;First Edition.

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A rare, complete copy of this massive chronicle covering the reigns of three Hapsburg rulers, with detailed coverage of the 30 Years War. At least as important are the wonderful engravings by Matthaeus Merian (1593-1650) who, with his son, was also responsible for the monumental Theatrum Europaeum (1633-) and Topographia (1642-1688). Here, as in the other series, the intricately realized city views (not infrequently seen as the focus of animated battle scenes), are exceptionally fine in detail and delicacy, achieving success in conveying a strong sense of place and atmosphere that earlier atlases full of urban views did not approach. Johann Peter Lotichius (or Lotich, 1598-1669), a revered physician and professor of medicine, was appointed official historian of the German Empire. Among his publications are medical treatises, Latin poems, a work in praise of women, and a general imperial history beginning with Caesar and ending with Ferdinand II. Brunet III 1180, Graesse IV 264.

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Joints, bands, and extremities a bit rubbed, boards slightly scuffed with a few small areas of superficial worming, small tears in backstrips of both volumes at head and tails. The text is printed on inferior stock with light to moderate foxing and some minor internal defects (small wormhole, faint dampstains, one small burn hole, a few trivial wax stains), plates are printed on better quality paper, and are completely clean and bright, overall a very good set.