KLOOS, Johan Hermann (1842-1901) and MÜLLER, Max. Die Hermannshöhle bei Rübeland. Weimar: Verlag der deutschen Photographenzeitung, 1889.

First edition of this photographic documentation of the Hermannshöhle in Rübeland, a large limestone cave formation discovered in 1866. The first part of the work, by Kloos, contains geological descriptions of the cave, with two large geological plates illustrating cross-sections. The second part, by Müller, details how the photographs were taken using magnesium flash. The excellent collotype plates reproducing Müller’s photographs were produced by the company Martin Rommel in Stuttgart. They show the impressive limestone formations of the cave. The middle level of the cave contains the Kristallkammer, with some stunning calcite crystal formations. On the upper levels, many cave bear skeletons were discovered. Poggendorf IV 762.

Two volumes, quarto (322 x 235 mm), comprising text volume and atlas portfolio. Text volume with two folding color-printed maps (corner crease to text block, few spots to title). Atlas volume comprising two text leaves plus 20 collotype plates mounted on cards with printed captions, loose as issued. Original cloth-backed printed boards (toned, cloth separated on portfolio spine).