The Spiegel menschlicher Behaltnuß was presumably made in the early 15th century and is regarded as the most widely spread German prose version of the Speculum humanae salvationis, a lay salvific history that was quite popular in the middle ages, which was made in the style of the Biblia Pauporum, with a typological text-image-cycle. The work has been passed on through numerous manuscripts, it was first printed by Günther Zainer in Augsburg in 1473. A total of 16 prints were made in the 15th century. The famous edition by Bernhard Richel, Basle 1476 is remarkable for its woodcut illustration, on which this edition by Peter Berger is based. "A High German reprint, practically page for page, with a few changes, from Richel's (Basle) 1476 edition" (BMC).

Lacking the seventh blank leaf (a1) and together 5 text ll., which have been replaced by facsimiles that are authentic in style and condition: *1 (title with woodcut on verso), a3 ("Das ander blat", with 4 woodcuts), a6 ("Das v. blat", with 3 woodcuts), a8 ("Das vii. blat") as well as D6 (last text l. with colophon). - Condition: Somewhat stained and with water stains in margins, remargined in places. Corners somewhat scuffed, spine with small tear, calf fittings of brass clasps renewed. Pastedowns with engr. armorial bookplate.
Fifth German edition of the very rare 'Speculum humanae salvationis', nearly complete copy with 272 fine woodcuts (of 279) in contemporary colouring. At the same time a very scarce work from Peter Berger's printing shop in Augsburg, of whom only 4 prints are known (cf. Geldner). Contemp. blind-stamped brown calf on bevelled wooden boards, covers with 3 frames, 2 of them by different rolls, the inner rectangle has been filled by the same rolls; with 2 brass clasps. - 230 (of 236) leaves, lacking the printed leaves a1 (title with woodcut on the verso), a3 (with 4 cuts), a6 (with 3 cuts), a8 and final leaf D6, all supplied in proper style and condition. - Some staining, partly waterstains, few leaves remargined. Edges somewhat bumped, spine with small tear, leather part of the clasps renewed. Engr. heraldic bookplate.