Published by Conrad Orell und Comp. 1758-1759, Zyrich (Zurich), 1758
Seller: Cole & Contreras / Sylvan Cole Gallery, Sitges, B, Spain
First Edition Signed
Two volumes bound in one, complete. FIRST EDITION OF THE MANESSISCHE HANDSCHRIFT (also known as the Grosse Heidelberger Liederhandschrift), compiled in the 14th century and far and away the most important collection of medieval German lyric verse. Thus also the FIRST EDITION OF VIRTUALLY ALL OF THE SURVIVING CORPUS OF MIDDLE HIGH GERMAN POETRY. Includes the work of 140 poets, including Walther von der Vogelweide, Reinmar der Alte, Gottfried von Strassburg, Hartmann von Aue, Niedhart von Reuenthal, Kaiser Heinrich, and Reinmar der Zweite. 4to. Attractively bound in contemporary calf. Spine gilt in six compartments, with raised bands. Some wear to binding, but structurally solid. Internally FINE AND BRIGHT. Brunet III, 1362; Graesse IV, 362. Very important and very rare, especially in such good condition.