[Early Printing] Magnus, Olaus. Historia de Gentibus Septentrionalibus...

Antwerp: Christopher Plantin, 1558. 8vo. ff. (viii), 192 (erratic foliation). Illustrated with 135 in-text woodcuts. Full brown calf, ruled and lettered in gilt, scratches on front board, all edges gilt; scattered spotting to text. Adams M-143; Brunet III, 1302

A lovely copy of the abridged edition of Olaus Magnus's famous work on the history and customs of the people of Scandinavia. Originally published in folio in Rome, in 1555, this edition was spearheaded by Corneille Grapheus, patron of printer Christopher Plantin. The 135 fascinating woodcuts are reduced versions from the 1555 edition, and depict all aspects of Scandinavian daily life, with some featuring fantastical sea monsters and other creatures, alongside scenes such as fishing, skiing, landscapes views, and various industries.

This lot is located in Philadelphia.