Skip to content
AUTHENTICITY GUARANTEED | EXPERT ADVICE
AUTHENTICITY GUARANTEED

Ierusalem vetustissima

illa et celeberrima totius mundi civitas... nunc autem Latine omnis perscripta... per lohannem Heydenum Eyflam Dunenfem.

Stock Code 90734

Frankfurt, Georg Raben, Sigismund Feyerabend and heirs of Weigand Han, 1563

Original price $10,602.00 - Original price $10,602.00
Original price $10,602.00
$10,602.00
$10,602.00 - $10,602.00
Current price $10,602.00
Important illustrated history of Jerusalem. A fine example, in an attractive contemporary binding, of the first edition in Latin of this important illustrated history of Jerusalem, prior to its destruction by the Romans.

Adam Reisner (1500-1572), a German mystic and poet, was the pupil of Johann Reuchlin, a German humanist and prominent scholar of Greek and Hebrew. Reisner taught theology for many years and wrote historical and theological works, including an 'anti-papal history.' He later made a name for himself as a writer of hymns.

This is one of Reisner's most important works, in which he describes the city of Jerusalem in detail, with all its holy landmarks. He paints a picture of 'Heavenly Jerusalem,' in stark contrast to what he sees as the 'Satanic Babylon' of the corrupt papacy. For Reisner, a supporter of the Protestant reformer Caspar Schwenckfeld, Jerusalem represents a community of true believers, in constant battle with the Antichrist of Rome. With constant comparisons of historical events to selected Bible passages, Reisner eventually comes to the conclusion that Judgement Day has indeed arrived.

The lovely woodcut illustrations by Virgil Solis were taken (or possibly copied) from the Luther Bible, published in 1560 by the Frankfurt publisher Sigmund Feyerabend. This edition is a translation of the first volume of the German edition, published in the same year and entitled Ierusalem, die alte Haubtstat der Juden. We could not find any bibliographical evidence that the second volume has ever been translated and published (in spite of such claims in the Allgemeine Deutsche Biographie).

First edition, folio (315 x 213 mm). [12] pp., including title page with woodcut device, 635, [33], double-page woodcut map, 42 woodcut illustrations in text. Contemporary blind-stamped calf, morocco lettering piece and gilt compartments to spine. Old ownership signatures to title page. Text in German.

Rohricht 708; VD16 R1058; Adams R340; not in Atabey.
Provenance
Delivery

We offer secure and express delivery on all local and international orders of rare books, maps and prints placed through this website.

About us

Shapero Rare Books is an internationally renowned dealer in antiquarian & rare books and works on paper.

Our Bookshop and Gallery can be found in the heart of Mayfair at 106 New Bond Street, where most of our stock is available to view and on public display.

We exhibit at major international art fairs, including TEFAF (Maastricht and New York), Frieze Masters, Art Miami and Masterpiece London, as well as antiquarian & rare book fairs including New York, Paris, London, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Hong Kong.

Read more

Ask us a question

Ierusalem vetustissima

REISNER, Adam.

Stock code: 90734

$10,602.00

THE BOND STREET EXPERIENCE

An exceptional experience in the heart of London’s Mayfair for not only seasoned collectors but those considering purchasing their first rare book or print.

Guaranteed Authenticity
GUARANTEED AUTHENTICITY
International Delivery
INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY
Meet Our Booksellers
MEET OUR BOOKSELLERS
Free Gift Wrapping
FREE GIFT WRAPPING

BOOK COLLECTING IDEAS

Your cart is empty

Continue shopping

Basket