Let's be clear: this isn't a storybook with a plot in the usual sense. The 'story' here is a real-life quest. Bernhard Hausmann, born in 1784, made it his life's mission to find, document, and understand every existing work on paper by Albrecht Dürer. For over seven decades, until his death in 1874, he hunted. He corresponded with collectors across Germany and beyond, visited dusty archives, and examined thousands of prints and drawings, separating the real Dürers from the many copies and fakes.

The Story

This book, published in the 1860s, is the culmination of that hunt. Its full title is basically a checklist: 'Albrecht Dürer's Copper Engravings, Etchings, Woodcuts and Drawings...' Think of it as the ultimate fan project, created before the internet or even reliable photography. Hausmann systematically listed, described, and tried to trace the history of Dürer's graphic works. The 'plot' follows his meticulous process of identification and his arguments for why a certain drawing in a Berlin collection or a print in Vienna was genuinely by the master's hand. The drama is in the details—the discovery of a lost sketch, the debate over a date, the triumph of completing a set.

Why You Should Read It

You should read it to feel the weight of a passion project. Hausmann isn't a flashy character. He's a persistent one. Reading his catalog, you get a sense of the sheer scale of Dürer's output and the even greater scale of the effort required to piece it all together. It makes you appreciate the art more, knowing the story behind its preservation. It's also a fascinating look at how art history was done in the 19th century—relying on letters, personal networks, and a sharp, trained eye. This book is a foundation. Every modern book or exhibit on Dürer's drawings stands on the work Hausmann did here.

Final Verdict

This is a niche read, but a rewarding one. It's perfect for art history lovers, especially those fascinated by Dürer or the 'behind-the-scenes' work of curation and scholarship. It's also great for anyone who enjoys stories about quiet dedication and obsession. You won't find wild twists, but you will find a profound respect for one man's lifelong commitment to preserving beauty. Don't expect a page-turner; expect to be humbled by the depth of a single, focused passion.