First and only edition. Printed at the expense of the banker Raimund Fugger, this work presents classical inscriptions and statues collected all over Europe (including many in Fugger's own collection). The text is based on earlier studies by Peutinger, Pirckheimer and others. An exceptionally fine work from the private press of Peter Apianus (1495-1552), mainly known as a mathematician and geographer.
The title woodcut by Hans Brosamer (after Dürer) and Fugger's coat of arms (by M. Ostendorfer) are splendidly hand-coloured and highlighted with gold; undoubtedly the work of the book's previous owner, Johann Spiegler, who signs his name below the imprint on the title page ("Annumeror libris Joannis Spiegleri Juliomagensis"). Spiegler is known as a Constance miniaturist active during the first half of the 18th century (cf. Brun, SKL III, 1913) and is sometimes identified with the Constance painter Franz Joseph (Johann) Spiegler (1691-1757; cf. Thieme & Becker XXXI, 370 ff.).
Slight water stains and torn edges near end; occasional marginal restorations. Page 1r (whose textblock extendsfar into the margin) is shaved with the loss of the final character in the right column. An uncommonly beautiful copy, last in the collection of the Maryland pharmaceutical investor Charles W. Newhall. Adams A1291; BM STC German, p. 37; Brunet I, col. 342; Günther (Apian) 20f; Index Aureliensis 106422; Stalla 85; Van Ortroy 109; USTC 666636; VD 16, 3086.