£1,500 - £2,000
Livius, Titus and Lucius Florus.
Von Ankunfft unnd Ursprung des Römischen Reichs, der alten Römer herkommen, Sitten, &c... (translated by Zacharias Müntzer).
Strassburg, Theodosius Rihel, 1574.
Folio. 14 prelim. leaves, 887(+1) pages & 12 index leaves (last blank). With elaborate title-border, 131 splendid woodcuts within decorated borders, and beautiful printer's device at end, all the work of Tobias Stimmer. 17th century vellum over board, blue edges.
First edition of Tobias Stimmer's Livy illustrations, adorning the German translation by Zacharias Müntzer (which had first appeared in 1568 at Frankfurt with the woodcuts by Jost Amman). In his lengthy dedication to emperor Maximilian II, the printer Rihel enlarges upon the pros and cons of vernacular versions of the classics, recommends his own publishing projects in this matter, but keeps silent about his use of the Müntzer translation.
A fine copy with brilliant impressions of the woodcut, in a rather plain, but perfectly preserved early 17th century vellum binding, with an intricate gilt monogram on both covers.
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