Lot 244
Praetorius, Johann (1537-1616) of Joachimsthal
Rare Books, Manuscripts & Photographs
Auction: Rare Books, Manuscripts & Photographs | 09 May 2007
Description
[Nova Calendarii Forma]. [begin F. IR:] [Amplissmis prudentissmis dominis patronis observantissmis S.P.] Inserunt... ut novi calendarij formam diligenter perpenderem, et inde dicerem, an talis correctio necessaria sit... [end F. 6V:] Haec ad mandata v.a. respondere in Praesentia visum est, submittere oro, ut v.a. hanc meam tenuitatem horis consutlant & mea servitia sibi commendata habeant i.p. Altdorf, 1582, 4to (200 x 152mm.), manuscript on paper, 8 leaves, blank 7r (p. 13) and 8v (except for inscription), sewn, without covers
Footnote
Provenance: Endorsed on verso of last leaf, "R[everendo] Domino M. Leonharto mittit Nicolaus Ludovicus: amicitiae causa"; German cat. ref. RB XIX 330199
Note: The subject of Calendar Reform had by this date become something of grave concern to the Church; it was widely discussed, and in 1582 Pope Gregory XIII had promulgated a reform (largely the work of the Jesuit Clavius) which came into force on 15 October 1582, and was given printed form. This manuscript contains a work addressed to the worthies of Nuremberg by Praetorius, written as a response. Pages [1-12] contain the text of Praetorius's proposals, and pages [14-15] his letter to the Hungarian humanist Andreas Dudith enclosing the same.