Occasional List Winter 2023/24
BIBLIA GERMANICA. NEW TESTAMENT
Das NEUE TESTAMENT unsers Herrn und Heylands Jesu Christi. Recht grundlich, nach der Griechischen Haubt=Sprach verteutschet, .. Von neuem mit allem Fleiss ubersenen. With engr. frontispiece and 10 engr. plates. (And:) Die CL. Psalmen Davids, Durch A(mbrosius) Lobwasser in Teutsche Reimen gebracht. Zu vier Stimmen ausgesezt...With music. Engr. frontispiece. (And:) Geistreiche Fast- und Kirchen= Gesänge. With music. Engr. frontispiece and 2 engravings. (And:) Die Kleine Bibel: Oder: Der Psalter Davids. Durch...Rudolff Walthern Grundlich und eigentlich Aus Der Hebraischen Sprache verteutschet, und von neuem mit allem Fleiss Ubersehen. With engr. frontispiece. 3 works in 1 vol. 2 cols. 386 pp.; 256 pp.; 88 pp. 8vo (c. 165 × 95 x 25 mm). 18th century Zurich Vermeil binding (fine chased goldplated silver) over wooden boards covered with black velvet, edges gilt. Exlibris.
Zurich, Joh (ann) Heinrich Bürckli, 1738. 9200. -
Attractive New Testament in the Zurich version printed for domestic Vermeil binding (fine chased goldplated silver over wooden boards). This N.T. is a typical example out of one of the roughly thirty editions printed in Zurich during the 18th century. It is remarkable that Ambrosius Lobwasser (1515-1584) as a Lutheran, thereby paved the way for Calvinist liturgical songs in German speaking countries (cf. MGG VIII, 1075) by using for his metrical psalms the Geneva book of Psalms prepared by Marot and Beza between 1532 and 1560. His object was to popularize in Germany the melodies of the French Psalter, of the beauty of which he had received a deep impression during a sojourn in Berry; and thus he adhered to the texts which served as channels for these melodies, in order that the meter and versificatior might accord with the French model. The book is housed in an attractive, contemporary Zurich binding. Zurich was the most important place of manufacture for Vermeil bindings, and shows the design that was common there at this time. Forming a wide frame on both covers ano the back, it is composed of leafy scroll- and lattice-work,
flower and ornamental depictions. In the center of both covers small pelican engraved (as a symbold for Jesus Christ, or as a sign of mercy or possibly an owner sign). This binding is uncommon in that the silver cagework extends round the edges of the covers.- The work shows considerable craftsmanship and is in pristine and fine condition.
Not in VD 18 nor Darlow/Moule; cf. Bibliothek Otto Schäfer, Europäische Einbandkunst (1992), 121; not in Leemannn-van Elck, Bibelsammlung im Grossmünster zu Zürich (1945), but cf. no. 40; the same, Buchschmuck der Zürcher-Bibeln (1938), 124; cf. Lösel, Zürcher Goldschmiedekunst (1983), pl. 256-257; cf. Bibelsammlung Stuttgart E 1347 (in similary binding, but published by Gessner in 1738); cf. Henkel/Schoene, Emblemata, col. 811
CALVIN, Jean
Institutio christianae religionis, ab ipso authore anno 1559, & in libros quatuor digesta....Cum...opera N(icolas) Colladonis tune contexto...duo indices ab Augustino Marlorato collecti anno 1562...accesserunt autem hac editione...hoc anno N. Collado(nis) sacrarum literarum Professor in schola Lausannensi...reddit epistola... in ipso libri initio. (16), 380, (72) leaves. With coat of armes of the city of Berne in woodcut on title. 8vo. Old calf, blind-stamped back with title, red edges.
Lausanne, Francois Le Preux, 1576. 12000.-
First systematica statement of the Reformed Church (PMM), here present in a re-edition of the authorative Latin text. Taking its final form in 1559 and subsequently much revised, enlarged and later re-oublished again from this present edition. The „Institutio Christianae“ is certainly one of the most influential books of all time. It was composed in its first form when Jean Calvin (1509-1564) was twenty-six and dedicated his book to Francis I. Highly influential in the Western world and still widely read by theological students today.
The book was written as an introductory textbook on the Protestant faith for those with some previous knowledge of theology and covered a broad range of theological topics from the doctrines of church and sacraments to justification by faith alone and Christian liberty.
This edition was prepered by:
1) Nicolas Colladon (c. 1530 - 1586), a French Calvinist pastor, and son of French parents who in 1536 took shelter in Switzerland for religious reasons. He studied theology at Lausanne and Geneva, and was a friend of Jean Calvin and pastor at Vandoevres and Geneva. In 1564 he became chancellor of the Academy where he taught theology until the death of Calvin. With Theodore Beza, he worked on a famous monography on the French Reformed Church in France (1560).
2) Augustinus Marlorat du Pasquier (1506 - 1562), a French, later a Protestant Reformer after he became indoctrinated with the principles of Protestantism. He left France in 1535 and took refuge in Geneva, where he worked as a proof-reader for Greek and Hebrew. The dismissal of Viret in the controversy on excommunication however, led Pasquier, who approved the rigidly Calvinistic procedure to resign. After a short time in Geneva he went in July 1559 to Paris as pastor of the Evangelical congregation there. - A nice copy with some contemp. marginalia.
Erichson 34; Adams C 364; Peter/Gilmont 76/3; Index aurel., no. 130.146; Senebier, Histoire litteraire de Geneve I. 398; cf. PMM 65
ENTOMOLOGY - SCHELLENBERG
Collection of c. 350 original artistically high-quality watercolors mostly of butterflies, beetles, and caterpillars party sitting on flowers or leaves. Finely drawn and colored on 87 heavy paper sheets with watermark on some leaves „W“ (i.e. J. Whatman Turkey Mills), dated 1821-25. 85 sheets size 235 x 215 mm; 2 sheets size 151 x 134 mm. In contemporary cloth slipcase, richly decorated with gilt rocaille decors on front and rear covers, all sides with gilt rocaille in same decor (slightly rubbed). Exlibris Heinrich Angst (1847-1922), founding director of the Swiss National Museum Zurich.
N.p., n.d., (early 19th century). 12800.-
A beautiful collection of brilliant drawn and colored insects painted on heavy Whatman paper. Up to seven insects are shown partly sitting on flowers or leaves. The work is of quite high quality in both, drawing and coloring and can be compared with the best work of entomological book illustration. It is not possible for us to identify the artist,
and therefore we were unable to discover anything about
place of origin. Perhaps also the painter, draftsman and etcher Johann Rudolf Schellenberg (1775- 1851) from Winterthur who bore the same first name as his father, Johann Rudolf Schellenberg (1740- 1806) - the famous book illustrator - can be designated as painter of these beautifully water colors. A photocopied autograph letter probably by Heinrich Angst himself is attached here in which Angst writes (transl.) „that he bought this present collection from Professor Alfred Ernst of Winterthur as an authentic work by J. R. Schellenberg... the Ernst family inherited the whole Schellenberg estate“. J. R. Schellenberg junior‘s life data match the data of the heavy Whatman paper. - All leaves are brighly colored and in pristine condition.
ERENBURG (or Ehrenburg), Ilya (Grigorevich).
A vse-taki ona vertitsja (Russian) And yet the world goes round. Illustrated with 16 photogravures on plates, and line illustrations by F. Léger, and others. 140, 2 (publisher‘s adv.), 2 (blank) pp. 8vo. Orig. illus. wrappers with a Cubist drawing by F. Léger (220 x 160 mm).
Moscow and Berlin, Gelikon, (January) 1922. 3850.-
First edition of an important work with a strong visual presentation of Erenburg‘s text. One of 100 copies of an edition limited to 500 copies. The typography is Futurist and is stikingly juxtaposed with Leger‘s illustrations. This rare treatise on contemporary avant-garde art by Erenburg (1891-1967) is not only noteworthy for its typographical experimentation, but it defends Contructivism in early art („Oblozhka raboty Fernanda Lezhe“) and includes also a penetrating analysis of the „new architecture“ which Vladimir E. Tatlin and his work are seen to have generated. Among the artists the Russian critic considers are Léger, Lipchitz, Lissitzky, Picasso, Rodchenko, Van Doesburg and even from a Charlie Chaplin film. - Senkevitch, Soviet Architecture 1917-1962, no. 1120; cf. Compton, Russian Avent-Garde Books 1917-34, p. 52 & p. 153, no. 64; MoMA, no. 401.
FICTULD, Hermann
Der Längst gewünschte und versprochene Chymisch-philosophische Probier-Stein, auf welchem sowohl der wahrhafften Hermetischen Adeptorum als der verführischen und betriegerischen Sophisten Schrifften sind probiert und nach deren Werth dargestellt worden, beschrieben in Zweyen Classen... 2 parts in 1 vol. Main title printed in red and black. (6) leaves, 170 pp.; 171 pp. 8vo. Contemp. boards.
Frankfurt and Leipzig, Veraci Orientali Wahrheit and Ernst Lugenfeind, 1753.
2200.-
First edition to contain both parts. This is the second, preferable edition of Fictuld‘s annotated bibliography of alchemical writings. The first part first appeared on its own (1740) and the third edition (1784) treat only the adepts. This is „an important source book for the history of alchemy in which alchemical literature is critically surveyed“ (Duveen). Hermann Fictuld (1700 - c. 1777) was a pseudonym used by an early Freemason, whose identity has not been definitely determined. He wrote books on Alchemy and on Hermeticism, and was one of the leaders of the Order of the Temple of the Rosy Cross. - VD18 11229136002; Caillet 3910; Duveen 216; Ferguson I, 271-2.
HEVELIUS, Johannes
Prodromus cometicus, quo historia, cometae anno 1664 exorti cursum, faciesque diversas capitis ac caudae accurate delineats complectens; nec non Dissertatio de cometarum omnium motu, generatione, variisque phaenomenis, exhebitur. Ad... Dn. J. Bapt. Colbert, Regis Christianissimi a Sanctioribus Consiliis,... With engraving on title-page showing the city of Danzig, 3 engraved plates (1 double-page) numbered A-C, woodcut initials, head- and tailpieces. [2] ff., 64 pp. Folio (374 x 232 mm). Contemporary boards. Exlibris.
Gedani (i.e. Danzig/ Gdansk), Simon Reiniger for the author, 1665 (1666). 24800.-
First edition of a rarely found scientific book on comets by Johannes Hevelius (1611-1687). He took on the roles of observer, engraver, and publisher to ensure consistency between observation and publication. His fine and accurate engravings record the appearance and course of comets through the heavens in 1664-65. Along with Kepler and Cassini, Hevelius is the first to deal systematically and scientifically with comets. His observatory was considered the best in Europe (Dibner), and Hevelius‘ naked- eye observations were then famed for their accuracy. After Haller visited him in 1679 he could confirm to the Royal Society that whose position determinations were as accurate as those taken with the micrometric telescope Halley had brought with him. Hevelius‘ examination of the 1664 comet contains his observations that scholars prefer to speculate on the significance of the appearance of comets than their physical characteristics.- VD17 39:125104Y; not in Norman; cf. Dibner 10.
KANDINSKY - GROHMANN, Will(y)
Kandinsky.) With 1 orig. woodcut in color by Wassily Kandinsky, 7 illus. in the text and 74 illus. on 58 plates. XXXVII, 5 leaves. 4to (285 x 225 mm). Orig. wrappers.
Paris, Cahiers d‘Art, 1930. 900.-
„Les Grand Peintres D‘Aujourd‘Huis, vol. 6“. One of 500 numbered copies printed on „Velin de Torpes“ from an edition of 610. This early and important monography presents Kandinsky‘s (1866-1944) watercolors and paintings from 1909-1929. Contributions by Grohmann, Däubler, Dreier, Raynal, Teriade, Zervos, a.o. Contains a bright color woodcut monogrammed by the artist on the stone.- Internally clean copy. - Th./B. XX, 361; Bolliger Cat. 2, no. 369; Röthel 193.
KEYSSLER, Joh(ann) Georg
Neüeste Reise durch Teütschland, Böhmen, Ungarn, die Schweitz, Italien, und Lothringen, worin der Zustand und das merckwürdigste dieser Länder beschrieben und vermittels der Natürl(ichen) Gelehrten, und Politischen Geschichte, der Mechanick, Mahler- Bau- und Bildhauer-Kunst, Müntzen, und Alterthümer erläutert wird, mit Kupffern. 2 vols. in 1. Woodcut head-and endpieces. With engr. frontispiece, 1 map and 6 plates (mostly fold.). Title, 2 leaves, 82, 810 pp., (1) leaf corrigenda; title, 1344, 88, 16 pp., (28) leaves index, (1) leaf. Thick 4to. Cont. marbled boards, back old cloth.
Hannover, heirs of Nikolai Förster and son, 1740-1741. 1800.-
First edition. Dedication copy given by the author to Baron Bernsdorff of an extensive itinerary by J. G. Keyssler (1663-1743), who is regarded as polyhistor and nestor of German protohistory. Keyssler accompanied the young Barons Bernstorff on their journey through the neighboring states of Germany. Almost two thirds of the work are dedicated to Italy, and his descriptions are written in form of 99 letters. This itinerary today offers an authentic soure of geographical features such as monuments, museums, cultural and natural historical landmarks. Keyssler also discusses the political and economical conditions. His work is an important intermediate stage on the way to modern travel reports, since many cultural aspects of all regions and towns are mentioned he visited. The map shows the pass road „Clausen in dem Lueg“ near Salzburg mountain regions, Lake Lago Maggiore with 2 folding views of the „Isola Bella“, 1 view of „Theatrum Veronense“ and 3 natural history illustrations. - Graesse IV, 15; Waeber III, 31; Grieb/Luber, Eutiner Landesbibliothek I, 0688; Engelmann, Bibl. geogr. 255; not in Cox.
KLEINKNECHT, Conrad Daniel
Bussfertiges Beicht-Kind, und würdiger Com(m)unicant, oder: Geistreiche und andächtige Gebete und Seuffzer...Samt einigen Buss- Beicht- und Abendsmahl-Liedern; auf Begehren zusammen getragen, und bey dieser dritten Auflage Mit einigen Gebeten vermehret. Title printed in red and black. With engr. frontispiece. 360 pp. Narrow 12mo (c. 152 x 83 mm). Contemp. South German embossed silver binding with figures in high relief, 2 silver clasps, all edges gilt, brocade endpapers.
Ulm, Johann Christoph Glitzelhirn, 1740. 8800.-
Attractive South German silver binding with figures in half and three-quarter relief. On the front cover depiction „Moses and the Bronze Serpent“ (cf. Genesis 1, 3 and John 3, 14). The lower cover bears the „Crucifixion“ scene. The back with a symbolic representation of the Old and New Convenant with the law tablet. The 2 clasps with rocailles in relief, and 2 chased guards at top and bottom decorated with scroll- and strapwork with winged cherub heads. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the metal-binding fad spead to the wealthy bourgeoisie, especially in the Protestant area, so they had their book of prayers and hymns bound in shiny metal. C. D. Kleinknecht (1691-1753) was a Protestant minister in Leipheim. His Lutheran prayer book is present here in its 3rd enlarged edition. It was apparently published in Ulm 1724 for the first time and later again in 1730 (...“welches Gott auch gesegnet, dass bald die dritte Auflage zu besorgen ist“). The binding is unmarked, shows a great artistry, and is in fine condition.- Not in VD18; cf. Hayward, Silver Bindings from the J. R. Abbey Collection; Döring, Die gelehrten Theologen Deutschlands II, 115 (1832).
KONDAKOV - STASSOFF (or Stasov), W(ladimir) W.
Geschichte des Buches Byzantinische Zellen-Emails A.W. Swenigorodskoi. Gold-enhanced chomolithographic Art Nouveau title in red with ms. presentation, 2 chromolithogr. plates, 3 wood-engraved plates and 1 engraved plate by W. W. Matthé. 272 pp., 1 leaf, VI ff. (plates). Large 4to (310 x 220 mm). Orig. white cloth, richtly decorated and lettered richly in gold and black, colored printed endpapers, all edges decorated in gold and red, with dark red book jacket. In orig. red box.
St. Petersburg, n.pr., 1898. 4400.-
First German edition limited to 100 copies. This is copy no. 51 with a handwritten presentation to „Herrn Medicinalrath Dr. Grödel“. Isidor Maximilian (Mayer) Grödel (1850-1921) was a student of the Munich radiologist G. Rieder, and pioneer in balneaolgy and cardiology. This is Vladimir Vasil‘evich Stasov‘s (1824-1906) rare report on the most elaborate book production of Russia in the 19th century, N. P. Kondakov‘s monumental publication on Byzantine Enamels (Collection A.V. Zvenigorodskoi). His book appeared in 1892 and is an important document of technological capacity of Russian printing industries. Kondakov‘s book than cost 120‘000 gold roubles by the exchange rate for 1892.
LEOWITZ (or KARASEK), Cyprian
Tabvlae posi=tionvm pro variis ac di=versis poli elevationibvs, ad directiones necessario pertinentes, sum=ma fide, cura & diligentia sup=putatae, atq(ue) nunc pri=mum in lucem editae. Per Cypriavm Leouitium a Leonicia. Diagrams showing
eclipses and celestial positions in the format of astrological squares. [346] leaves (author‘s name crossed out on title). 4to. Cont. vellum.
Augsburg, Philip Ulhard, October 1551. 2500.-
First edition of a little known work by Cyprian Leowitz (1524-1574). The celebrated Bohemian astronomer was professor of astronomy and appointed mathematician to Elector Palatine Otho Henry (German: Ottheinrich, 1502-1559) and acquired a high reputation at the time of the reception of the Copernican theory. lt is well known that the cosmological elements of the Copernican theory, i.e., the „centrality“ of the Sun and the Earth‘s revolution about it, were not widely accepted for nearly a century after the publication of the „De Revolutionibus“. Leowitz played a central role in facilitating conjunctionist theory, and the actual contents of the „Tabulae“ are in line with those by Stöffler. From the end of the 15th century onwards many editions of the tables of Regiomontanus were produced with commentaries and additions, i.e. by Erasmsus Reinhold, Luca Gaurico, Leowitz (with participation of Melanchthon), etc. The present huge work by Leowitz appeared without introduction and without explanation. It contains so-called position plates for the places from the 33rd to the 60th latitude, the pole height of the places (gradus latitudinis). A final short „secundes pars“ with plates up to the 66th latitude appeared in November 1551 and is not present here as in a microfiche copy stored in the Herzogin Anna Amanlia Bibliothek, Weimar. „Position“ is not be taken herein the sense of modern astronomy. It is well known that the cosmological elements of the Copernican theory was not widely accepted for a lang time after the publication of the „De Revolutionibus“ (see Burmeister, Magister Rhecicus, 2015). A current subject of investigation is the variety in response to the theory in the various countries of Europe. Tycho Brahe (1546-1601) visited Cyprian Leowitz in 1569. According to Tycho, Leowitz told him that in his opinion the predictions of Copernicus agreed better with observations of the superior planets and solar eclipses, while Ptolemy‘s predictions were more accurate for lunar eclipses and the positions of the inferior planets. Leowitz was correct about the relative superiority of the two theories in predicting the longitudes of the planets.- Good copy.- Adams L-520; Zinner 2018; NBG 30, 814; not in Houzeau & Lancaster; cf. VD 16 L 1276.
SAVARY des Brûlons, Jacques
Dictionnaire universel de commerce: contenant tout ce qui concerne le commerce qui se fait dans les quatre parties du monde, par terre, par mer...par des voyages de long cours ... le detail du commerce de la France en general et de la ville de Paris en particulier... Nouvelle edition. 3 vols. Each vol. with half-title. Titles printed in red and black. With numerous engr. head-pieces and vignettes throughout.. (8), xxvii, (1), 544 pp., (545)-1140 double cols. (ie. 294 pp.), (2) pp. (last blank; (4) pp., 1772 cols. (i.e. 886 pp.); (4) pp., 1316, 684 cols. (i.e. 1020 pp.), last leaf blank. Large 4to (280 x 400 mm). Contemporary morocco, spine richly gilt-decorated in 7 compartments (slightly faded and rubbed), gilt fillets and inner gilt dentelles, marbled endpapers. From the library of Wenzel Anton Prince of Kaunitz-Rietberg with his gilt heraldic supralibros on both covers showing the insignia of the Order of the Golden Fleece.
Paris, Chez la Veuve Estienne et fils, 1748. 7200.-
First encyclopaedic dictionary on trade and an important commentary and history on economics. A scarce monumental edition of a popular, often printed work which was first published in 1723 and here finished by the author‘s brother Louis-Philémon (1654-1727). Jacques Savary des Brûlons (1657-1716), was the Inspector General of the Manufactures for King Louis XIV at the French Custom House of Paris. He was a son of Jacques Savary, the author of „Le Parfait Negociant“, a more general work on the same subject. The present work contains long articles on the history of commerce around the four continents, its law, regulations of companies, welfare, etc. and bookkeeping, banking terms, exchange rules and values, or an adequate measure of new values. Special attention is given to the art and business of textile and related crafts as they were basic elements in France and world economy. The term „entrepreneur“ first appeared in this dictionary, and has subsequently evolved over time. Savary may be considered as having been one of the first to put forward in his dictionary an explanation in the nature of profit not only when trading. His importance in the history of economics probably lies in the fact that Savary was the first to systematically add the fundamental conceptions on which the science is based.- Kress 4930; Goldsmiths 08321; Sabin 77273.
VEIRAS, Hans Franz and Jacob von Graviseth
Heutelia, Das ist: Beschreibung einer Reiss, so zween Exulanten durch Heuteliam gethan, darinn verzeichnet, 1. Was sie denckwürdig gesehen vnd in obacht genommen, so wol in Geistlichen als Weltlichen. 2. Was sie für Discursen gehalten. 3. Was jhnen hin vnd wider begegnet. Engr. title, printed title. 2 unn. leaves, 297 (=295) pp., 1 blank p., 2 leaves „Clavis“ (name keys). 8vo. Contemporary half calf (sm. library stamp on title).
Lutetia (i.e. Ulm), n.pr., 1658. 1900.-
(Bound with:) GRIMM, Hans Rudolf. Kleine Schweitzer Cronica Oder Geschicht=Buch...Erstlich woher der Nahmen Schweitzer komme... Benebst auch ein Beschreibung der Natur=Wunder dess Schweitzer=lands. 4 unn. leaves, 204 pp., 12 unn. pp. (index).
Burgdorf, 1723.
Ad I: First edition of this interesting work of baroque literature. „Heutelia“ was already identified in the 18th c. as a „liber satyricus rarissimus“. Haller talks of a rare work and names as authors Jakob Graviseth or Gravisset, Herr zu Liebenegg and Landvogt von Oron. More recent research, especially by Walter Weigum, declares the „Heutelia“ to have been written by Hans Franz Veiras (1577-1672), the secretary of the Palatine Elector and Bohemian King Friedrich V, who had fled to Zurich. Graviseth maybe translated and reworked the „Heutelia“ from Latin, giving it a Swissgerman interpretation.
Ad II: First edition of the historic work by the Burgdorf councilman H.R. Grimm (1665-1749), who participated in the 2nd Villmerger War in 1712. Although this popular writing has many misrepresentations and mistakes it is characterized by its lively descriptions. The work also contains popular descriptions of the mountains, rivers and natural wonders of Switzerland. Nice copy of two rare works. -
Ad I: Paisey H 1019; VD17 23:299560W; Weller, Druckorte I, p. 30; Hayn/Gotendorf VII, 257; Haller V, 1195; Barth 2193; Faber du Faur 448; Jantz 2571; Kosch II, 969; Feller/Bonjour 405f.; cf. Baechtold 473f.; not in Bircher/Bürger. Ad II: Haller IV, 470; HBLS III, 747; not in Barth; cf. Simmen, René. Vom grossen Misch-Masch (1965).
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