BRANT, DAS NARRENSCHIFF, BASEL, 1499, OLD HALF PIGSKIN OVER WOODEN BOARDS

4to (213 x 152mm.), 162 leaves (of 164), a-t8 u v6, 30 lines, gothic type, woodcut initials and border decorations, woodcut illustrations after Albrecht Dürer, woodcut printer's device at end, contemporary half alum-tawed skin over wooden boards, single clasp, lacking a1 (title) and a8, quire a defective with some loss of text, b1 detached, h8 and i1 defective, s1 torn without loss, s6-8 and t1-6 defective, u6 and quire v torn at upper corner, quire v becoming detached, occasional light staining, upper board defective, pastedowns removed; sold not subject to return

HC 3742; BMC iii 797; Bod-inc B-504; GW 5047

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."

Second edition of the original German text; the translation into Latin first appeared in 1497. RARE. ISTC lists just ten copies in institutional libraries. The woodcuts are generally attributed to Albrecht Dürer, who spent 1492-1493 in Basel, where he either designed or influenced the blocks for the 1494 first edition of Brant's satirical work.