Rediscovered a few years ago, an illustrated manuscript from 1550s Augsburg, Germany, shows awe-inspiring tales of the Old Testament, the Book of Revelation and contemporary events. Taschen’s new edition adds historical context
Main image: A burning torch in 1009. Photograph: Taschen
Fri 4 Aug 2017 12.09 EDT Last modified on Wed 19 Oct 2022 10.20 EDT
In the year 1506, a comet appeared for several nights and turned its tail towards Spain. In this year, a lot of fruit grew and was then completely destroyed by caterpillars or rats. This was followed by an earthquake, so great and violent that in Constantinople, many buildings were destroyed and people perished. Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
In the year 1009, the sun went dark and the moon was seen as red and a great earthquake struck. This was followed by the death of many people and famine throughout Germany and Italy. Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
In 1552, a terrible storm with hail descended on Dordrecht in Holland. It lasted about half an hour. Several of the stones weighed up to a few pounds. Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
In the year 1531, a great whale was seen in the sky. This was followed by great earthquakes, so that about two hundred houses collapsed and more than a thousand people were killed. Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
In the year 1531, a bloody vision with a sword in its hand was seen near Strasbourg and in other parts, as well as a fiery citadel and an armed host on horseback. Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
In 1533, flying dragons were seen in Bohemia. This then went on for several days, with over four hundred of them, both big and small, flying together. Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
