[Theuerdank] Der Aller-Durchleuchtigste Keiser, Oder die Rittermassige, Hoch-Theure, Hochst-Gefahrliche und Glorwurdigste Gros-Thaten, Abentheuer,; Glucks-Wechslungen und Siges-Reichen..

Augsburg: Mattaeo Schultes, 1679. hardcover. very good. Densely worded Gothic type title page printed in red & black. Illustrated with an engraved frontispiece, and 117 finely printed large woodcuts (1 is hand-colored) by Leonhard Beck, Hans Burgkmair, Hans Schaufelein, et al., followed by 58 pages of text. Decorative initials and head/tailpieces throughout. Short folio, older vellum-backed boards (outer joint repaired, otherwise only lightly worn but with stain on rear cover). Augsburg: Mattaeo Schultes, [1679]. A very good clean copy of this scarce book. Originally printed in 1517, this work is an epic allegorical poem commissioned to celebrate (truncated) the exploits and heroic feats of the Emperor Maximilian I (represented by Theuerdank) who overcomes the difficulties attending him on his journey for and with his bride Mary of Burgundy. It is assumed that Maximillian himself had a considerable share in the composition, and may have made the first drafts in 1508-08... The finishing and general editing was then undertaken by Maximilian's private secretary M. Pfuntzing. (Inventory #: 239269)