JACOBUS PHILIPPUS DE BERGAMO (1434–1520). Supplementum chronicarum. Venice: Bernardinus Rizus, Novariensis, 15 May 1490.

Second illustrated edition of Jacobus’ world chronicle. Jacobus de Bergamo’s Supplementum chronicarum first appeared in 1483, supplementing previous world histories. Many of the woodcuts were taken from Benalius’ first illustrated edition of 1486, but Rizus for his 1490 edition improved upon several of the city views—notably Rome, Venice, Genoa and Verona—and added the construction of the Tower of Babel. Hind notes that the Biblical cuts resemble the work of Hieronymus de Sanctis, described as “the most skilled engraver working in Venice at the end of the 15th century” (Essling 260).

One of the earliest references in print to the invention of printing appears under the entry for 1458. Gutenberg and Fust are named but Jenson (named in the first edition) is here omitted: “Ars imprimendi libros his temporibus in Germania primum inventa est; quam alii repertam asserunt a Gutenbergo argentino. Alii a quodam alio nomini Fusto. Qua certe nulla in mundo dignior: nulla laudabilior: aut utilior: sive divinior aut sanctior esse potuit.” (The art of printing first was invented in Germany at this time, which some claim to have been invented by the Strassburger Johannes Gutenberg, and others by one named Fust; what is certain is that nothing in the world could be more praiseworthy, laudable, useful, divine or blessed). HC 2808*; BMC V 402; Bod-inc J-090; BSB-Ink I-124; CIBN J-143; Essling 343; GW M10974; Goff J-211; ISTC ij00211000.

Super-chancery folio (307 × 205mm). 272 leaves (of 274, without first and last blanks). Woodcut illustrations and initials throughout, rubrication (small wormholes through first and last quires some affecting text, small hole through text on a2 semi-repaired, light discoloration around edges). Contemporary German blindstamped pigskin, open cross-form lily stamps and vine rolls [not in EBD], engraved catchplates with strap remnants (small wormholes, some repairs to covers). Provenance: few early marginal annotations – "Joannis Jacobi Schwart, Sem[?inar]ii Salisburg" (16th-century ownership inscription on first text leaf) – Howard Lehman Goodhart (1884–1952; label; gifted to his daughter:) – Phyllis Goodhart Gordan (1913–1994; leather label); by descent.