Hoffmann, Johann Georg

65 pages, folio (c.35 x 22.5cm), frontispiece pencil and ink drawing depicting the Goddess of Hunting, Diana, and over 20 animals and creatures of the forest and countryside, 16 diagrams and drawings in the text, contemporary blue wrappers with manuscript title ("Jagd-Buch / 1854-58"), dated Rückersdorf, 30 October 1858, wrappers worn and soiled, but intact; with a bound typescript of the text, both in folding box

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."

An important nineteenth-century witness to hunting in the Frankenland region of Germany (specifically in the area around Nuremberg). We understand that there are perhaps no comparable complete manuscript works in the German hunting literature.

The great value of this manuscript lies in the fact that it is not based on other sources but only on the actual experience of the writer, one J. G. Hoffmann, for 60 years Revierförster in Rückersdorf. In loving detail, the author describes the sorts of animals found in his region, including stag, wild boar, hare, wild cat, stone-marten, otter, badger, weasel, quail, mountain cock, black cock, snipe, wild duck, golden eagle, and great horned owl. Of particular interest are his own hunting reminiscences, as well as his descriptions of the different types of hunting and the hunting customs of the Frankenland region.