SCHOPPER, Hartmann (1542-1595). Speculum vitae aulicae de admirabili fallacia et astutia vulpeculae Reinikes... Frankfurt: Nicolai Bassaei, 1584.

12mo (140 x 83 mm). Woodcut printer's device on title, with 57 woodcut illustrations (from 51 blocks) by Jost Amman in text. (Some soiling to title-page, small wormhole to margin of A1-A3.) 19th century morocco, covers with geometric designs in blind, four fleuron devices with diamond designs, spine in 5 compartments with 5 raised bands, gilt-lettering in 2, fleuron centerpieces in others, all edges gilt (light rubbing to joints). Provenance: L.C. Berger (bookplate); F. Hopkinson (bookplate); early dealer or auction clippings tipped in; manuscript notation quoting Brunet's description of this work; underlining and some marginalia in a contemporary hand.

FOURTH EDITION of Schopper's Latin translation of the popular German beast epic narrating the adventures of Reynard the Fox. The Medieval Reynard cycle evolved out of Flemish and Dutch versions and was first published in Low German in 1498. Schopper's Latin version, originally issued in 1567, made the stories available to a pan-European audience. This edition is especially noteworthy for its charming series of 57 woodcuts by the German master Jost Amman, which make their first appearance here. Menke, Bibliotheca Reinardiana Bb5; STC German (BL London) 735.

Selections from the Library of Dr. John Talbot Gernon