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.

This great double leaf with Latin text depicts lineage from Noah. On verso of Folio XV is an interesting illustration of Noah's drunken sleep, after he drank the wine from his vineyard. Noah's three sons are gathered around him; Sem placing a blanket over Noah, while Ham implores Japhet to help, rather than covering his eyes, evidently shocked by such parental weakness. Each leaf would measure 11 x 16" if separated.

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Condition: A

There is some mild uneven toning, else fine.