Nuremberg Chronicle of Hartmann Schedel

Nuremberg's municipal physician Hartmann Schedel (1440-1514) is today best known for his contribution to the World Chronicle, which is named after him. The Chronicle is the 15th century print that has survived the most: over 1700 copies of the Latin and German editions, both of which appeared in 1493, are documented. Especially famous are the more than 1800 woodcut illustrations from the workshop of Michael Wolgemut and Wilhelm Pleydenwurff, which include numerous authentic views of the city and two maps. Hartmann Schedel contributed the text of the World Chronicle to this Nuremberg joint venture, which he compiled from a wealth of historiographical sources. He owned most of them himself: His library is considered the most comprehensive private book collection in Germany, dating from the 15th century.