1658 – German Festival Book | Friedrich Wilhelm, Knights Tournament & Processional

Aufzüge und Ritterspiele is a rare German festival book printed in 1658 for the christening of Christian, son of Duke Friedrich Wilhelm of Saxe-Altenburg. This book records court celebrations, knightly tournaments and games, and royal processionals. This volume contains numerous oblong engravings depicting mounted knights, jousting scenes, and noble guests. Festival books of this types especially from smaller German courts, are considerably rare and desirable.

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Aufzüge und Ritterspiele : Sobey des durchläuchtigen, hochgebornen Fürsten und Herrn, Herrn Friederich Wilhelms
• Publisher: Gedruckt zu Schlesswig in der Fürstlichen Druckerey / durch Johan Holwein
• Edition: 1658. First edition.
• Binding: Oblong, hardcover
• Format: (4to), single volume
• Size:  10.5 in x 13.5 in (27 cm x 34 cm)
• Collation: unpaged
• Illustrations: 27 engraved plates (of 41)
• Contents Include:
  • Ceremonial processions
  • Tournament participants
  • Jousting events
  • Heraldic displays

Condition:

Fair. Text block secure. Binding and boards show extensive wear with many pages exhibiting moderate to extensive loss of text. Several leaves reinforced with archival paper and tape.

Why Collect This?

• Dated 1658 ducal festival book from Schlesswig
• 27 engraved plates of tournaments and processions

Item Number: #50347