Imaginary List (2 results)

One sheet, folded into two leaves. Small 4to, unbound (small hole in gutter). N.p.: n.d. [but probably Nuremberg: ca. 1780-90]. An apparently unrecorded piece of satirical ephemera, notable for its offerings, such as "Books and engravingsavailable at the cheap rates stated," "Assorted Intelligence," etc. The 26 entries are clearly satirical, and vaguely anti-Semitic on occasion, and make concealed fictitious jabs at notables and events of the time. Some of the entries in the section "Objects mobile and immobile for sale" (in trans.) are: "Hat mesh from a doe taken for a roebuck and mistakenly shot, available at the Saint George public house" "A good decoy bird of a brownish color with a splendid tail, tirelessly decoying, for sale near Feucht [a Nuremberg neighborhood]" "A very large watering can for sale; it has the unusual property of containing warm water even in the severest of winters; details to be had at SS. Peter & Paul" "Especially fine spectacles are available from Master Horlabuz, perfect for noticing one-horse carriages in time" [apparently the 18th-century road-hog's vehicle of choice] Another section, with the heading "The following books and engravings are available at the cheap rates stated," includes: "The Two Good Friends, or: If one falls from his horse, the other joins him, an evening operetta in two acts, one of them illuminated by a lantern, with copper engravings by Sebastian. 54 kr." "The One-Hundred Year-Old Bridegroom, a farce in a blue-cloth jacket, at Schellhausen [in Franconia]. 3 kr." Fine condition. Not in WorldCat nor VD18.

One sheet folded into two leaves. Small 4to, unbound, uncut. N.p.: n.d. [but probably Nuremberg: ca. 1780-90]. Very rare; VD18 13815725 offers J.G. Recknagel as the author but without giving a source and says "place of publication not identifiable." A notary named J.G. (Johann Georg?) Recknagel was active at Nuremberg in 1772, and an eponymous Protestant clergyman (b. 1797), was active in other parts of Franconia in the 1820; neither seems to be our author. Some of the entries of this satirical fictitious piece of ephemera include the following, in translation. "Objects mobile and immobile for sale": "Entire wardrobes of silk and fine cotton women's dresses, mantillas, and short coats to be given away, also a variety of splendid pieces of furniture, canapés, and sofas, the curse adhering to these objects will not strike whoever will purchase them legally" "Soon to be sold (not in the course of self-redress): a habitation painted red, with numerous chicken, duck, and goose stalls, empty wine cellars and burgundy bottles, and brass bird-cages, jutting out onto an island, with walks and a garden. The malicious spirits that have hitherto haunted the property will be banished, so the buyer will have nothing to fear from them" "A box of rarities including artificial feathers that will afford him who knows how to put them to use many advantages; going cheap" "A batch of unscrupulousness paired with rabbleist pranks, varying helpings of fear of things to come, a suitcase full of mental agonies, and a box of impatient sighs over a failed attempt to be had not far from the Henkersteg" [the Executioner's Bridge at Nuremberg] "Waters from Pyrmont, Spa, Sedlitz, and Selters have recently arrived and are especially recommended to those who, during the present heat wave, have their apartment under the roof and need refreshment" "The following books to be given away" "Chameleon Amphibian's curious water-promenade. In oblong 2°" "Greifenklau's Art of Forging Documents: a Contribution to Diplomacy" [Greifenklau is a famous Bamberg brewery and restaurant] "The same author's Thorough Instruction in the fine points of law and the augmentation of luxuriant perquisites." Fine copy. ? Not in WorldCat.