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he World Chronicle by Rudolf von Ems , which covers the history of the world from the Creation until the death of Solomon in over 33,000 verses, was a popular book in its time and was read with particular pleasure since the stories of the Bible, as well as legends, were not written in Latin as had previously been the case but in Middle-High German verse.

Two Middle-High German works are united in this codex. The "World Chronicle" is followed by Stricker's "Charlemagne" , which stems from the Old French "La Chanson de Roland" and tells of the beginnings of the Western Empire.

The 58 glowing miniatures on a gold background which enliven these Middle-High German works are related in style to the Manessische Liederhand and the "Gradual of St. Katharinental". The text is written in Gothic script. The original is kept in the Vadiana Cantonal Library of St. Gallen.

The volume comprises 588 pages, approximately 200 x 295 mm in size. The World Chronicle has 214 double pages with 47 miniatures, the epic Charlemagne has 76 double pages and 11 miniatures. All the pages are cut to match the shape of the originals and are bound onto four ribs. The cowhide binding, with brass clasps and fittings, has been carefully matched to the original. The 370 page comprehensive commentary volume in German provides a new insight into the art and literary history of the work which is limited to 980 copies world-wide..

A documentation kit containing 3 sample pages, in the original size, from the Rudolf von Ems: World Chronicle and Stricker: Charlemagne Fine Art Facsimile Volume, plus an illustrated, 16 page information brochure, is available for $US60.