Jacobus de Theramo

Chancery folio (283 x 192mm.), 70 leaves, [1-8⁸ 9⁶], 37-42 lines, gothic letter, 4-line initial spaces, first leaf with woodcut initial and woodcut foliate border along two sides, 55 woodcut illustrations in text (from 33 blocks, some repeated), contemporary Erfurt blind-stamped pigskin-backed wooden boards, vellum manuscript leaves in Latin (the remains of two bifolia from an early fifteenth-century German noted breviary with musical notation in hufnagelschrift) used as pastedowns, contemporary manuscript signatures at foot of gutter, contemporary manuscript title "Beliali" on final verso (with further manuscript note cropped at foot of page), a few margins torn (a few with loss but not affecting text), [5]4 torn at foot and crudely repaired with tear extending into text, occasional light staining or foxing, binding rubbed (particularly on spine with some loss at foot), two holes in foredge of each board showing location of clasp

"Statt Oehringen" (in the north of Baden-Württemberg), inscription on front flyleaf

GW M11087; CIBN J-54; Madsen 2162 & 2163; Schreiber 4283 (listing 6 copies, including the present copy); BPH 125

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."

The woodcuts used in this edition were previously employed by Knoblochzer in his edition of 1477 but were not based on the two previous illustrated German editions of Belial (of 1472 and 1473). It was a popular text, appearing in many editions in different languages (mostly illustrated) between its first printing in 1464 (in Bamberg by Pfister) and 1500.

The stamps on the binding are a pelican in a rhombus, a rose, and small pierced heart and flower tools, which are all dated to Erfurt around 1476-1485 (Einbanddatenbank assigns this workshop the name "Pelikan I").

Rare: ISTC lists only 8 copies (including this copy), none of which is in the UK or the US.