Beschreibung:

DENIS, Johann Nepomuk Michael (1729-1800). Wiens Buchdruckergeschicht [sic] bis 1560 . -- Nachtrag zur Wiens Buchdruckergeschicht . Vienna: Christian Friedrich Wappler [vol. 1] and Johann Thomas Edlen von Trattner [vol. 2], 1782-1793. 2 volumes, 4 o (248 x 191 mm). 1 engraved folding plate, engraved title vignette of the Bibliotheca Garellia. Contemporary mottled calf, panelled spines richly gilt, tan morocco lettering pieces, edges stained red (some worm damage to spine of vol. 2). FIRST EDITION of the first comprehensive history of printing in Austria (Xytus Schier's Commentarium de primis Vindobonae typographis , 1764, the only earlier history according to Besterman, was a mere 48 pages; Denis's work exceeds 800 pages). Denis was assistant librarian at the Garelli Library connected with the Theresianum, and when the academy ceased to exist in 1784, he was appointed assistant librarian of the imperial court library. In 1791 he was advanced to be chief librarian, receiving at the same time the title of privy councillor (see Catholic Encyclopedia ). Besterman III, 5083; Bigmore & Wyman I, 162 ("a bibliographer of justly-established eminence"). (2)