UNT Libraries Acquires Rare First Edition of the Nuremberg Chronicle, One of the Most Ambitious Illustrated Books of the 15th Century
The University of North Texas Libraries is proud to announce the acquisition of a remarkable first edition of Liber Chronicarum cum Figuris et Ymaginibus ab initio Mundi—better known as the Nuremberg Chronicle—printed on July 12, 1493, by Anton Koberger in Nuremberg, Germany. Widely regarded as one of the most celebrated and extensively illustrated incunables (books printed before 1501), the Chronicle is a cornerstone in the history of printing.
This exceptional copy survives in its original 15th-century binding, featuring the coat of arms of the city of Vienna. It retains wide margins, complete gatherings, and pristine condition with no restorations—qualities rarely found together in surviving examples.
“This acquisition is a singular coup for UNT and its students,” says Dr. Samuel Fullerton, Assistant Professor of History. “The Nuremberg Chronicle represents not only a foundational moment in the history of early modern Europe and its nascent printing industry, but also a critical turning-point in European perceptions of the wider world. UNT students interested in the early modern humanities should rejoice!”
The addition of the Nuremberg Chronicle enhances UNT Libraries’ distinguished collection of medieval and Renaissance texts. Rare books and manuscripts spanning the pre-modern era provide extraordinary opportunities for object-based learning and original research. Engaging directly with these materials allows students to experience primary sources firsthand, deepening their understanding of the past and its connections to the present.
This fall, faculty across disciplines will incorporate the Chronicle into their teaching:
- Dr. Carey Gibbons, Assistant Professor of Art History, will use the Chronicle in her course on the history of illustration, noting, “This ambitious, richly illustrated publication invites us to step into the creative and intellectual world of the early printed book, offering an inspiring example of innovative page design and dynamic visual storytelling.”
- Dr. Megan Nieberding, Lecturer in the Department of Physics, plans to integrate the Chronicle into her Astronomy courses, saying, “It fits well with our discussions, especially since we dedicate a large portion of class to the Ptolemaic vs. Copernican view of the solar system.”
- Dr. Michael R. Gibson, Professor of Communication Design, has encouraged students to engage with the Chronicle, calling the acquisition “crucial for the array of learning communities we serve here.”
- Dr. Kelly Donahue-Wallace, Professor of Art History, will feature the Chronicle in her course History of Prints. She explains, “The Nuremberg Chronicle provided a first glimpse of what an illustrated printed book could be. It marks an important shift in thinking about woodcut illustrations. It is incredibly important for students to see this transition in media culture.”
The Nuremberg Chronicle stands as a powerful artifact at the intersection of art, science, and history. Its encyclopedic content encompasses cosmology, theology, geography, medicine, and genealogy, making it an invaluable resource for interdisciplinary teaching and research. “UNT students across campus, from the Fine Arts, to Communications, History, Literature, and Languages, to Political Science, Geography, and Anthropology – and more – will each find the Nuremberg Chronicle an important source for study and inspiration,” says Dr. Kathryne Beebe, Associate Professor of Medieval History. “Thanks to this exciting acquisition, all at UNT now have the opportunity to hold history in their hands.”
Often described as the first illustrated encyclopedia, the Nuremberg Chronicle synthesizes classical, biblical, and medieval sources into a sweeping visual history of the world from Creation to the Last Judgment. Its author, Hartmann Schedel (1440–1514), was a physician, humanist, and book collector whose extensive library informed the text. The volume is richly illustrated with more than 1,800 woodcuts—city views, genealogies, maps, portraits, and biblical scenes—many reused throughout the book.
Printed by Anton Koberger, then Europe’s largest printer, the Chronicle was financed by Nuremberg merchants Sebald Schreyer and Sebastian Kammermeister. Their vision produced a massive folio of over 600 pages, issued in both Latin and German editions in the same year. This copy represents the Latin first edition.
“We are thrilled to bring this exceptional volume to our collections,” said Morgan Gieringer, Head of Special Collections, UNT Libraries. “It is not only a landmark in the history of printing and illustration, but also a vivid expression of the Renaissance humanist worldview—combining religious thought, empirical observation, and classical learning in ways that profoundly shaped early modern scholarship.”
This acquisition strengthens UNT Libraries’ role as a leader in cultural heritage stewardship and reaffirms its commitment to preserving the material legacy of the early modern intellectual tradition. The volume will be unveiled during a public event on November 11, from 1:00–3:00 p.m. on the first floor of Willis Library. All are welcome to join in celebrating this remarkable acquisition.
The Nuremberg Chronicle is housed in UNT Special Collections and available for viewing by appointment in the Judge Sarah T. Hughes Reading Room. For more information or to schedule a visit, please contact specialcollections@unt.edu.
