Rerum Moscoviticarum auctores.

First edition of this compilation containing the first detailed eyewitness ethnography of Russia, a country largely unknown to Europeans at that time.

Herberstein (1486-1566), an Austrian diplomat who was twice sent to Russia as the Habsburg ambassador to Moscow in 1517 and 1526, was the first foreign visitor to speak the language, read Cyrillic and record his experiences. The book was so warmly welcomed among the courts in Europe that 'from its original publication in 1549, it became a veritable "Baedeker" of travel narratives... [Herberstein] can be said to be almost single-handedly responsible for the European image of Russia over several centuries' (Dr Rima Greenhill, Stanford University).

Herberstein's work was considered of such value that for many decades to come, travellers to Russia were strongly advised never to travel without it. The 1600 edition is largely based on the 1556 Basel edition, which displayed significant changes in quality of content and of illustrations from the previous ones. It incorporates an important and useful illustration: three fine maps, along with elaborate woodcuts showing the Grand Duke (Tsar Vasily III), Muscovites, bisons, aurochs etc. The map of Moscow is the first printed plan of the city, probably drawn by Herberstein himself, who was not a cartographer but here reveals a commendable talent as a draughtsman. This woodcut became very famous, in particular through the use by Braun & Hogenberg.

Folio (33.5 x 21 cm); title, 3 double page woodcut maps (two of Russia and one of Moscow) and 1 folded genealogical table and 7 full page illustrations, some repairs to preliminary pages, some browning, occasional spotting or foxing, minor water stain to lower left corner; contemporary calf with crowned initals H.L. on upper cover, rebacked, rubbed.