Olaus Magnus, “Historia de gentibus septentrionalibus...”, Antwerp, Christopher Plantin, 1558.

Small 8vo (17 x 10cm), ff. [8], 192. Woodcut printers device on title-page, woodcut initials and 135 woodcuts in text.

First Plantin edition of Olaus Magnus’ History of Northern Europe, abridged version of the original, printed in Rome in 1555. This work provides important information on Scandinavian customs and life and is richly illustrated with 135 woodcut vignettes vividly representing everyday life in Scandinavia.

Contemporary vellum, parts of vellum ties, spine with manuscript lettering. Contemporary handwritten text on free end paper and on title page. Signs of mainly marginal water-stain on title page and first ~10 sheets, spotting mainly on last sheets, free end-paper loose.