Albinus, Petrus | Meisznische Land und Berg-Chronica

Albinus, Petrus

Meisznische Land und Berg-Chronica, in welcher ein vollnstendige Description des Landes, so zwischen der Elbe, Sala vnd Sudodischen Behmischen Gebirgen gelegen, so wol der dorinnen begriffenen auch anderer Bergwercken, sampt zugehorigen Metall vnd Metallar Beschreibungen. Dresden, 1590

2 parts in one volume, folio (297 x 188 mm). Gothic types, with some roman and italic, numerous ornamental woodcut initials, first title printed in red and black within a historiated woodcut border, second part with section-title (Meisznische Bergk Chronica) printed within an emblematic historiated woodcut border, first part with 2 engraved and 6 woodcut portrait illustrations, 2 woodcut maps, 76 woodcut coats-of-arms, and 4 text diagrams, second work with 2 woodcut illustrations (one used as a tailpiece), numerous woodcut and typographic head- and tailpieces throughout; browned throughout, some wear to sheet edges at beginning and end. Contemporary vellum over boards; front hinge cracked, covers bowed.

First edition, second issue (both titles dated 1590), lavishly printed on special paper (“schreibpappir”). Albinus's expansive work includes early biographical information about Agricola and "is of great importance in connexion with the early history of mining in Saxony" (Zeitlinger). Includes valuable information on gold and silver production, the magnet-stone, etc. The title border of Part 2 and the illustration at the end of the preface depict miners at work. The work is often found browned as it is here, an indication of the paper quality across the edition, and it is scarcely found in handsome condition.

REFERENCES

BMC German 17; Honeyman I:52 & 53; Hoover 43; Poggendorff I:24; Zeitlinger, 2nd supp. 13976