Fries, Lorenz (circa 1485-1532)
Der Spiegel der Artzney. [bound with] Gart der Gesuntheit; zu Latin Ortus Sanitatis.

Strasbourg: Balthassar Beck, 1529.

Two folio volumes bound as one; without final blanks, first title printed within elaborate allegorical woodcut compartment incorporating portraits of Galen and Asclepius flanking, and images of medical practitioners preparing and purchasing medicines and herbs, illustrated with Johannes Wechtlin's (active circa 1502-1526) full-page woodcut, "Viscera and Bloodletting Man,' an anatomical image displaying a semi-dissected male figure drawn post-mortem from observations of a dissection performed in Strasbourg on the body of a hanged criminal, (a few minor short closed tears to text leaves, some larger tears neatly repaired, contents otherwise very good); second title illustrated with 426 lively woodcuts, four of which adorn the title; bound in full contemporary or near-contemporary alum-tawed German pigskin over wooden boards, rolled tool decoration with central portrait panels, top clasp signed with initials,1589 clerical ownership inscription to first title; one catch lacking the cross-bar; bottom section of front joint cracked, top section neatly repaired; surface rubbing, generally very good, housed in modern buckram case, 11 1/8 x 7 3/4 in.

The numerous fascinating woodcuts in this German abridgement of the Hortus Sanitatis depict many birds, animals of the land and sea, insects, amphibians, and reptiles, with text describing the dangers and virtues of their nature and conduct, an exceptional copy.

I: VD 16, F 2873; Benzing, Fries 30; Durling 1664; II: VD 16, H5125; Durling 2467.

Provenance: from the Stephen White Collection.