Neudörffer, Johann, the elder

i. Ein Gesprechsbüchlein zweyer Schüler. Nuremberg: Johann Petreius, 1549, ruled in red, first few initials with gold highlights, woodcut illustrations (including examples of scripts), folding woodcut plate, long wormhole in first few leaves (repaired on title-page)
ii. Ordentliche Zertreuung der Buchstaben [incipit], calligraphic manuscript on paper and vellum, 9 ff., in different coloured inks (including red and purple), containing different styles of writing IN NEUDORFFER'S HAND
iii. [Fraktur-Initial-Alphabete] 34 woodcut plates of calligraphic initials, some signed by Neudorffer and dated 1549, lacking title-page
iv. [Das Fundament] Als Man zalt nach Christi Jesu unnsers lieben herrn... [incipit], 6 plates of woodcut calligraphic text, with capital flourishes in manuscript, [1549]

4 works in one volume, folio (291 x 200mm.), contemporary stamped calf gilt, central arabesque stamps after designs by Peter Flötner (according to Abbey catalogue), two pairs of leather ties, modern folding box, binding repaired at edges and joints with later lettering-piece in period style

J.R. Abbey, morocco booklabel and his date 22.3.1946 at end, sale, Sotheby's, 21 June 1967, lot 2045; Martin Breslauer, catalogue 102, June 1972, no. 116

Doede 9, -, 10, 1; VD16 N562

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."

A RARE AND BEAUTIFUL CALLIGRAPHIC VOLUME BY PERHAPS THE FINEST GERMAN WRITING MASTER OF THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY, IN A FINE CONTEMPORARY BINDING. Neudörffer (1497-1563) was a teacher of arithmetic whose fame rests on his calligraphic skill, which was appreciated by his Nuremberg contemporary and neighbour, Albrecht Dürer. He is important for the development of typefaces as well, in particular Fraktur.

His works do not survive in many copies, probably because they were produced for his students rather than for general sale. The printer, Johann Petreius, was Neudörffer's brother-in-law, who persuaded him that Ein Gesprechsbüchlein should be published.