Cochlaeus, Johannes (1479-1552).

4to (201 x 153mm.), [16], 662, [2]pp., illustration: woodcut device on title-page, woodcut initials and tailpieces, engraved plate, woodcut illustrations, binding: contemporary mottled calf gilt, spine gilt in compartments, red edges extremities slightly rubbed, lacking lettering-piece

BL STC Scandinavian C461

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Theodoric was the king of Italy from 493 to 526, following the overthrow of Odoacer who had deposed the last Roman Emperor in the West. In the sixteenth century the Goths were considered by German scholars (such as Cochlaeus, whose life of Theodoric was first published in 1544) to be their ancestors, through the similarity of their languages. However both the Swedes and the Danes claimed that they were the real descendents of the Goths, based on place-names (such as Gotland) and the archaeological evidence of runic inscriptions, which were thought to be Gothic antiquities (many of these are illustrated in the sections by Peringskiöld).