Theodorus - Eicones plantarum - 1590

Theodorus Jacobus (Tabernaemontanus)

Icones plantarum, seu stirpium

Frankfurt - 1590 -
Nikolaus Basse

(8), 1128, (16) pp.
3*4 A-R8 S4 T-3L8 3M4 3N-4C8 4D4

In oblong 4to - 25.5 x 20 cm.

2255 SPLENDIDLY WOOD-ENGRAVED ILLUSTRATIONS, IN THE FIRST EDITION, OF PLANTS, FRUITS, ETC… COLLECTED IN A MARVELOUS FULL LEATHER BINDING CALF-SKIN SEWN-ON, HAND-BORED, STAMPED IN DRY-POINT.

First and only edition.

A very rare work to find on the market, especially when COMPLETE and safeguarded in its precious original binding.
NISSEN BBI 1932
PRITZEL 2-9094
HALLER 1, 372
BURDET 86

A single copy available online, in poor condition and without binding, offered at over €10,000.

Jacobus Theodorus, known as Tabernaemontanus from the Latinized name of his birthplace (Bad Bergzabern 1522/1590), is one of the German “fathers of botany,” together with Fuchs and Brunfels.
In 1588 he published the first part of his Neuw Kreuterbuch, a project that would continue until 1591.
In the meantime he published the present work: the images (eicones) of the plants, i.e. without the accompanying text.

The treatise is divided into three parts, in addition to a substantial index at the end. With a dedication to D. Louis, Landgrave of Hesse.

In the text, corresponding to the lower part of the illustrations, appear numerous handwritten annotations, probably contemporary and in Latin and German, relating to the name, species, and classification of the above-mentioned woodcuts.

Excellent contemporary full pigskin binding, stamped in dry-point with multiple floral and phytomorphic borders on the boards, with portrait medallions and, on the front board, a ducal crest showing a man in armor, and a Latin motto beneath.
Sturdy five-nerved spine.
Mostly intact and splendidly preserved.
Traces of closing cords.

Interior generally well preserved, with physiological, light browning, foxing and sporadic stains.
All 2255 woodcuts well preserved, including the title page.
Ancient restorations, with small paper reinforcements (not touching the woodcuts) to the quires 3H-K (see photo).
Tears repaired on pp. 35/36 and 609/613.
Rare small worm galleries.
Conservatively restored, well executed at the lower corner of the title and at the outer edge of the first sheet.
Beautiful embossing, with elegant incised decorations at the cut edges.
Original flyleaves preserved.

Excellent copy, a true jewel for botanical collectors.
The text is practically unavailable in such condition, as it was heavily used at the time.
Complete and original in every part.
COLLECTIBLE. COMPLETE