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[xvi], 307, [1] pp. 237 woodcut plates. (Folio) 13¼x9, later full calf, spine gilt decorated, raised bands, morocco title label, all edges gilt. First Edition.

An historical romance, this work deals with the life of Maximilian I's parents, his own birth and education and his political life. The first two parts were written largely by Treitzsaurwein, Maximilian's secretary, and the third part by Maximilian himself. The work was completed by Treitzsaurwein after Maximilian's death in 1519 but publication did not occur before his own death in 1527. In 1665 the manuscript was found at Schloss Ambras and brought to Vienna and the woodblocks were found in Graz a century later. Publication of the work then followed in 1775. The woodcuts, made between 1514 and 1516, are by Hans Burgkmair, Leonhard Beck, Hans Schäufelein, Hans Springinklee and an anonymous cutter. Brunet V:933; Fairfax Murray II:416; Graesse VII: 192.