LUTHER. DER VIERDE TEIL ALLER BÜCHER VND SCHRIFFTEN, 1556, WITH HAND-COLOURED "WITTENBERG WORLD MAP"

Folio (315 x 200mm.), title printed in red and black with woodcut illustration, full-page illustration on verso, half-page world map on fol. 489, initials and a few other small illustrations, all in original hand-colour and heightened with gold, calf-backed oak boards with metal clasps, small hole in title, first few leaves soiled, occasional slight worming and staining

Johann Gundlach (d.1590), bookplate on lower paste-down endpaper

Shirley, Mapping of the World 65(A)

the condition of this lot is as described in the catalogue description
"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."

This work contains on folio 489 a fine example of the first state of the first version of the "Wittenberg world map" or "Daniel’s dream map" in original colour heightened in gold. Ostensibly an interpretation of the prophet Daniel’s apocalyptic dream of the four kingdoms, the map also served as propaganda to legitimize Protestant antipathy towards Islam. This is volume four of Luther's works, of eight in total.