[GERMAN LITERARY MANUSCRIPT]. "Der Hinkende Pegasus" (unpublished)

1899. Very Good. 8vo. [4], 165, [6] pp., every page filled with manuscript. Divided into 6 sections of verse, lyric, drama, and prose, with 11 small vignette drawings of which two are heightened in watercolor. Numerous annotations and revisions in the text. Bound in contemporary roan leather with pewter clasp (back of clasp slightly loose), some rubbing along binding extremities; floral endleaves patterned in green and gold, all edges gilt. Front pastedown with a few illegible letters in ink, apparently backwards (offset from a note loosely inserted?), small negligible ink stain on lower right corner on final 10 leaves and the back endleaves, foxing on pp. 41-48. A fascinating literary manuscript from a known WWI German officer, providing insight into pre-war German nationalism and culture. ALL writings contained herein are apparently unpublished.

The manuscript is divided into 6 sections: Historische Gedichte (pp. 1-18), Patriotische Gedichte (19-21), Lyrisch (22-30), Erzahland (31-42), Dramatischer Versuch (43-86), and Verschieden (87-131). A further group of verses follow (132-165), with one additional prose section (166-171). Annotations and corrections throughout in pen and ink suggest that this is indeed the original manuscript for the bespoke writings.

The manuscript begins with verses on the subject of Germany's rebirth ("Patriotischer Prolag zu Deutschlands Wiedergebunt"), in which "Kriegers" from the German War of Liberation in 1813, the Austro-Prussian War in 1866, and post-unification in 1871 discuss the evolution of Germany and German nationalism. The drama and poetry herein are ominous, and for the author: foretelling. Richard Ferdinand Graf von Rambaldi (1875-1917) was a captain and battalion commander who was killed in action during WWI. He is interred at the Alter Sudfriedhof Munchen in Isarvorstadt, Bavaria. Rambaldi published a book entitled "Der Welfen Wiege" (1912), on the title of which he is named as a captain and commander in the service of King Wilhelm I. None of the writings in our manuscript were published therein, or elsewhere as far as we have been able to determine.

The section of "Dramtischer Versuch" is particularly intriguing. "Ende Biners, des Kanzler von Tirol" (not to be confused with Josef Wenter's much later drama of the same name), is a history play on the trial and execution of Wilhelm Biener (1590-1651). It was modeled after Hermann Schmid's historical novel "Der Kanzler von Tirol." Many of Schmid's novels have their roots in Bavarian peasant life and customs, and as such perhaps appealed to Rambaldi.

The in-text drawings reflect the author's preoccupation with nature, history, and the love his country: an ink and watercolor of the flags of Bavaria stands above patriotic verses. The poem "Liebe" (p. 95) features a watercolor of an idyllic waterfall, in front of which are seated a military officer and his lady; perhaps this is a self portrait? Several poems make direct reference to Stuttgart, such as "Solitude" (p. 137) which is illustrated with a drawing of Schloss Solitude, and "Stuttgart 1899" (pp. 135-6), a reminiscence on summers spent hiking in Baden-Wurttemberg.

A very interesting manuscript which merits further investigation.