Description

Berlin: Insel Verlag, 1925–1927. 370 by 260 mm (14.5 by 10.25 inches). Six folders of facsimile leaves. Vol. 1. [3]–74 ll. (starting with leaf three as issued); Vol. 2. 75–145 ll.; Vol. 3. 146–223 ll.; Vol. 4. 234–298 ll.; Vol. 5. 299–370 ll.; Vol. 6. 371–428 ll. Complete. Copy 183. Together with the smaller format often missing 141 pp. supplement text from 1929 by Rudolf Sillib, Friedrich Panzer, and Arthur Haseloff. With the ink stamp “Prof. A. Haseloff” to the flyleaf. Plates overwhelmingly near fine. Folders very good with wear and light soiling.

One of 320 numbered copies, complete and faithful facsimile edition of the important song manuscript, which has been kept in the Heidelberg University Library since 1888. Anton Kippenberger planned and endeavoured since 1920 to produce the technically complex reproduction of the manuscript, which was finally published in six deliveries.

The production process, however, was considerably more elaborate than for the Gutenberg Bible. 137 full-page miniatures (in up to eight colours) and more than 700 pages of text had to be reproduced. . . . The 1st August deadline for the completion of the first delivery could not be met, as the hand-made paper from Zanders did not fulfil the quality requirements. . . . The Manessische Liederhandschrift was an international sensation. For scholars it was a great gain, for the codex had by no means been accessible to everyone, even in Heidelberg. (Sarkowski).

The leaves were sent to subscribers in six installments, with the intent that they would have them bound. It is unusual to find this item unbound and still in its original folders.

Provenance

This was the copy of German art historian Arthur Haselhoff (1872–1955). He was one of the authors of the supplemental text and instrumental in the production of this work. Thereafter, in the collection of Felix Guggenheim.

References

Sarkowski, Der Insel Verlag: Eine Bibliographie, 1899–1969, 1054 & 1055.

Additional information