These engravings were originally published in 1716 in Nuremberg. Little is known of the author, save that he was a Venetian ballet master; his work bespeaks his prodigious gifts of imagination and creativity. More than 100 full-page plates depict a variety of themes, and each features a short passage of musical accompaniment and hand-lettered German captions (with English translations). The author states the theme and air for each dance and offers suggestions for steps; the engravings convey the highly atmospheric settings and costumes.