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Schedel (Hartmann) Liber Chronicarum

Schedel (Hartmann) Liber Chronicarum [Nuremberg Chronicle],

first edition, 325 leaves (of 326, without final blank leaf), 64 lines and headline, xylographic title-page, numerous woodcut views, illustrations and maps by Michael Wohlgemuth and Wilhelm Pleydenwurff and their workshop including Albrecht Dürer, all finely coloured by a contemporary hand, occasional early ink marginalia, title restored at lower margin, several bifolia mounted on guards and trimmed at outer margins, closed tear within text on CCXCI (no loss), some other leaves with repairs or restoration, mostly marginal, but occasionally touching text, some leaves cleaned (including CCXCII to CCXCVIII), map of Europe bound in at end trimmed to within border or outer edge with loss, some offsetting, browning, staining or spotting, 17th century pigskin over wooden boards (possibly a remboitage), tooled in blind, brass clasps, restored and soiled, folio, Nuremberg, Anton Koberger, 1493.

***A handsome copy with rare contemporary hand-colouring. This major work, by the Nuremberg doctor Hartmann Schedel, generally known as the Nuremberg Chronicle was printed by Anton Koberger, the foremost printer of the day. It is a history of the world from the Creation to contemporary times and includes a number of blank leaves onto which the book's owner may continue the history. The work is remarkable for its illustrations, design and its woodcuts and description of cities. The woodcut illustrations include events from the Bible, pictures of human monstrosites, portraits of Kings, Queens, saints and martyrs, and allegorical pictures of miracles. The views are some of the earliest representations of towns and cities, with around 116 places being identified by name. Provenance: 18th century ink onwership inscription ?Joon Philippi to upper margin of fol.II; arly feint pencil inscription to lower margin of CCLXVI recto. .