The Mighty Giant Fierabras: Very Rare German First Edition dated 1533 in Superb Original Colouring

Fierabras. Eyn schöne kurtzweilige Histori von eym mächtige(n) Riesen auß Hispanie(n) / Fierrabras gnant (…) newlich auß Frantzösischer sprach in Teutsch gebracht (…). Simmern, Hieronimus Rodler, 1533. - A7 B-H6 I4 = 53 leaves. - Featuring 20 mostly half-page woodcuts (title woodcut repeated) and half-page woodcut printer's mark, all beautifully hand-colored. - Folio (313 x 211 mm). Late 16th-century red morocco binding with gilt decoration à la Du Seuil (spine rebacked), large ornamental centerpiece surrounded by two fillet borders, the inner one adorned with fleur-de-lis cornerpieces, and gilt edges.

One of the most beautiful examples of the illustrated Volksbuch: possibly the only copy in original colouring

Duke Johann II of Palatinate-Simmern (1492 – 1557) – also known as "Duke Hans of the Hunsrück" – was initially a relatively insignificant ruler. Preferring governance over warfare, he devoted himself to statecraft, jurisprudence, sciences, and arts. Under his patronage, Simmern experienced a cultural renaissance, boasting a printing press in its castle.

This edition of "Fierabras" likely owes its existence to Johann's personal endeavors as an author and translator. The tale of the heathen giant Fierrabras converted to Christianity by the Christian knight Olivier not only perpetuates chivalric ideals but also possibly serves as homage to Johann's contemporary, Emperor Charles V, given its connection to Charlemagne's legends and Spain.

The unique charm of this edition lies in its 20 large woodcuts, some composed of three plates, depicting interiors, battles, and war scenes, likely crafted by Johann himself. The vibrant contemporary coloring renders them akin to miniature paintings. Bound in beautiful red morocco, possibly dating to the late 16th century.

We know of no other copy coloured in this overwhelming way.

Provenance: Ex libris of the Bibliotheca Philosophica Hermetica in Amsterdam. – Sold at Sotheby’s, London, December 6, 2000, No. 54: £ 16,350 (= CHF 41,000). German private collection.

Literature: BM STC German 303; Brunet II, 1251; Ebert 7539; Goedeke II, 21, No. 4; Graesse II, 577; Heitz/Ritter 149; Nagler, Monogrammisten, III, No. 1039; Neufforge 237; Muther 1785; NDB 10, 510; VD 16 F 1007.

This book has been described in great detail in our catalogue 90 “Wunderkammer”, lot 46. Click here to view the eCatalogue or order the printed version in our Online Shop.

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