Die wol-eingerichtete Buchdruckerey:. mit hundert und achtzehen teutsch-, latenisch-, griechisch-, hebraischen Schriften, vieler fremden SprachenAlphabeten.
Nürnberg: Johann Andreä Endters, 1721 (actually 1731). First edition, later printing. 9 3/4 x 7 1/2. 30 leaves, 140 pages, 11 leaves. This is lacking its title page, which was neatly excised. Most text printed in double columns, within a black border. A full page frontis of Ernesti's printing shop is followed by short histories of 8 famous printers from Coster to Plain, each with an engraved portrait; then a history of printing in Nuremberg with 4 more portraits. The first 44 pages comprise a type specimen, followed by lays-of-the-case for various alphabets and for music type. Then comes the manual with tables for format and imposition diagrams.
The final 11 leaves are a German translation of Depositio cornuti typographici (a play performed by printing apprentices). Bound in contemporary vellum spine & corners, brown & black speckled boards. Boards are heavily worn; last gathering is loose; one margin missing a piece; contents very good. Item #18015
Comprehensive printers' manual with "A valuable section on type specimens...more than 40 different types in 18 type sizes, an indication of the increase and variety of type at this period." (JPHS, D6). The specimen of includes Greek, Hebrew, exotic types, music, calendar cuts, medicine/apothecary symbols, and printers' flowers. In the Frontis, Ernesti's two presses are dated, respectively, 1440 and 1731--the year this was printed. In Yale's copy, the press is dated 1730. There was a second edition, with 20 more pages, in 1733. Provenance: Kaim, Vienna 1880.
Price: $1,000.00