Otto von Passau.

first edition, chancery folio (277 x 194 mm.), 214 leaves, 34-36 lines and headline with foliation on both rectos and versos, gothic letter, Maiblumen woodcut initials of 4-line and 9-line depth (the 9-line S signed with the initials G.I.A.), 26 woodcuts, coloured by an early hand, contemporary red-stained calf over wooden boards, stamped and tooled in blind, metal mounts (now all lacking), metal catches and clasps, occasional light spotting, binding somewhat worn

H 12128*, Goff O119, BMC II 347, BSB-Ink O-103, Bod-inc O-34, GW M28503, ISTC io00119000, Schreiber 4877=4878

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."

Otto von Passau OFM, fl. 1350s-1380s, was theology lecturer at the Basel convent; his authorial colophon in Die vierundzwanzig Alten is dated 1386. The 24 Elders, one for each chapter, are based on Apocalypse iv, 4: "And round about the throne were ... four and twenty elders sitting clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold". This vernacular devotional work digested from the writings of dozens of church fathers enjoyed enormous popularity, and some 113 manuscript copies in various German dialects have been recorded (Verfasserlexikon VII, 229-234). There were four succeeding incunable editions in German (Augsburg, Strassburg, Cologne), and two in Dutch (Utrecht, Haarlem).