Weltall und Menschheit

“Weltall und Menschheit” (“The Universe and Humanity”) is an outstanding five-volume edition from the early 20th century in the German language. It represents not only an encyclopedia of natural sciences and anthropology but also a true masterpiece of book art. Edited by Hans Kröner and created in collaboration with prominent German scholars, this monumental work encompasses a rich spectrum of knowledge about the history of the Earth, the structure of the cosmos, the origin of life, and the development of human civilization. The edition was produced in a deluxe, large-format version and is distinguished by its exceptional printing quality. The bindings, made of genuine leather in the Art Nouveau style, are adorned with exquisite gold embossing and a brass-relief medallion. A raised image of a man seemingly holding up the sky symbolizes the triumph of reason and humanity’s eternal pursuit of knowledge. With over 200 color illustrations and numerous black-and-white images, the volumes offer not only scientific depth but also striking visual appeal. The clarity of the language, the systematic presentation of material, and the artistic design make “Weltall und Menschheit” a unique monument to the synthesis of science, art, and publishing craftsmanship of its era. This edition is undoubtedly a gem of our library’s Rare Book Collection and a valuable testament to the intellectual heritage of the early 20th century.