Hartmann Schedel's Nuremberg Chronicle (Liber Chronicarum) was published in two editions, Latin and German, both in 1493, appearing in print just before Christopher Columbus' discoveries completely re-shaped the European view of the World. This splendid work presented the history of the world in a pictorial encyclopedia with approximately 285 pages of text and 1,800 woodcut illustrations. Among these illustrations are views of towns and cities throughout Europe and the Near East. The majority of these views are entirely imaginary. In fact, 49 of the views are actually printed from the same group of 14 woodblocks. There are also 30 double-page views of cities with more realistic images. In addition to the topographical images, there are an enormous number of other subjects, including diagrams of the Creation, comets, family trees, portraits & biblical scenes. The text was compiled and edited by Hartmann Schedel, printed by Anton Koberger, with illustrations designed by Michael Wohlgemuth and Willem Pleydenwurff, who cut the woodblocks, probably with the assistance of their apprentice, Albrecht Durer.

Extremely early and unusual woodblock map of a fantasy panoramic view of the country with the relative positions of important German towns, each with its coat of arms, including Ulm, Augsburg, Cologne, and Hamburg. The verso has a number of additional figures bearing coats of arms, as well as a list of some of the early popes, including the Pope Benedict IX, who was twice removed and restored from the papacy between 1045-48. German text; two sheets joined.

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Condition: B

Sharp impression on sturdy paper. There are some scattered spots of foxing and a little toning on the centerfold. The margins have a few short tears and one paper repair, not affecting the view.