Römische History usz T Livio. Römsche History vß T. Liuio by Titus Livius, Livy, Bernhard Schöfferlin, Ivo Wittich on Földvári Books

Livius, Titus [Livy]; [Schöfferlin, Bernhard]; [Wittich, Ivo]

[Römische History usz T Livio.] Römsche History vß T. Liuio.

[Strasbourg]: [Johann Grüninger], [March 23, 1507]. Woodcut title page and 253 large woodcuts in text from 114 different blocks (some recurring). The illustrations are attributed to Hans Schäufelin and Hans Burgkmair. Woodcut initials and marginalia throughout. First Grüninger edition (second German edition, first in 1505), imprint from colophon. In later half maroquin, spine with raised band, and gilt title. Panels covered with marbled paper. Marbled paper endpapers. Upper edges gilt. ff. CCCXLVI [346]. [With mispaginations.]. Binding rubbed at the extremities. Possessor’s stamp (C. Ménard), and bibliographical notes in pencil on inner front flyleaf. Erased old notes in ink on the title page. Tiny wormholes throughout the first third of the book, some with minor effect to the print space (G2–K2). Two small wormholes at the lower edge, near the gutter, between 2K–2Q. A very few light brown stains, mostly at margins. Old restoration at the edges of U6, X6, Y2, 2S3, 3E4, with no effect on the text. The lower corner of 3E6 is artistically restored. Otherwise in fine condition.

The first Grüninger edition of Livy’s History of Rome in German, one of the most richly illustrated books of the early 16th century.

Römsche History was published by Johann Grüninger, one of the most outstanding printers in Strasbourg of his time. Grüninger, as an extraordinarily active printer, and the only one who did not join the Reformation in Strasbourg, was known for his editions of collections of sermons in Latin and German, folk books, novels, works from popular medicine, dictionaries, and classics such as the present book. He published several illustrated books and collaborated with such artists as Hans Baldung, Urs Graf, Johann Wechtelin, and Hans Schäufelin. The illustrations of Römsche History which, besides their artistic value, are also interesting from a cultural and historical point of view, are attributed to Schäufelin and Hans Burgkmair. The majority of the woodcuts were made for the Grüninger-press, thirty-nine of them are new, and eighteen are copies after the 1505 Mainz edition. The splendid title woodcut shows the presentation of a copy of the book to the young Emperor Maximilian.

Extremely scarce on the market. Rarebookhub.com reveals only one record of a complete copy at auctions within the last 55 years.