Emperor Maximilian - Theuerdank

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he Theuerdank edition from the printing works of Hans Schönsperger in Augsburg is among the greatest works of Renaissance art in Germany. The masterly woodcut illustrations by Hans Burgkmaier, Schäufelein and others, as well as the font especially designed for this book make the fame of this imperial work as "the first German book destined for bibliophile collectors". The epic in verse is one of the earliest German autobiographic “romans à clef”. It tells us how the young Habsburg emperor Maximilian went to see the beautiful daughter of Charles the Bold, his future spouse Mary of Burgundy, for the very first time. In this work, Maximilian wished to uncover the meaning of his own life, and every chapter is significant for the insight it gives into the thinking of this “last of all knights”. His passion for the hunt and tournaments especially are described in ever new experiences.

Facsimile reproduction of Schönsperger's first printed edition produced in Augsburg in 1517. 5 pages in the original format of 35.5 x 25 cm. 118 woodcuts. 40-page commentary volume in German. A special edition in leather is available (250 copies).

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