Our Story

Heribert Tenschert’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of beauty. From humble beginnings, he has built a rare book business that has become one of the most respected in the world. Today, Tenschert is widely regarded as one of the leading dealers of medieval manuscripts and rare books, with a reputation for his unparalleled expertise and connoisseurship.

From Student to Rare Book Dealer

Heribert Tenschert was born in 1947 in Lower Bavaria, Germany. His path to becoming a preeminent figure in the rare book world began with a deep love for literature. While studying German and Romance philology at the University of Freiburg, Tenschert started a humble collection of antiquarian books from the 20th century. What began as a small endeavor soon grew into something much larger, as Tenschert discovered his true calling in the antiquarian book trade.

In 1977, Tenschert abandoned his academic studies and founded his first business in Rotthalmünster. This small operation focused on buying and selling rare books, marking the beginning of what would become an extraordinary career.

From Modern Bibliophily to Illuminated Manuscripts

Tenschert’s business steadily grew throughout the 1980s as he began to specialize in a niche that few other European dealers had pursued—medieval manuscripts. His keen eye for rare and valuable manuscripts earned him a reputation for finding hidden gems. In 1988, he made headlines by purchasing Franz Kafka’s The Trial manuscript for £1 million, the highest price ever paid at auction for a modern literary manuscript. This bold move signaled his growing prominence in the world of rare books.

In the 1990s, Tenschert cemented his position as a leading dealer when he facilitated the return of the Sahmuel Gospels, a precious 9th-century manuscript stolen during the infamous Quedlinburg theft, to the German government. By the mid-1990s, his reputation as a preeminent dealer of rare manuscripts and books was fully established.

Bibermühle: A Hub for Manuscripts and Rare Books

In 1993, Tenschert relocated his business to the historic Bibermühle estate in Ramsen, Switzerland, where it continues to operate today. The Bibermühle has since become a hub for collectors of medieval manuscripts and rare books, with scholars and collectors traveling from all over the world to view his stock and collections.

“World’s Leading Dealer in Medieval Manuscripts”

Heribert Tenschert’s dedication to the integrity of medieval manuscripts sets him apart from many other dealers. Unlike those who deal in fragments or individual leaves, Tenschert focuses on complete or nearly complete manuscripts. By 2019, he held roughly two thirds of all complete medieval manuscripts on the market—a staggering 200 manuscripts out of an estimated 260-270 worldwide.

His refusal to compromise on quality has earned him the title of “the world’s leading dealer in medieval manuscripts.”

Collector of Printed Books of Hours and Other Treasures

Tenschert’s collection of printed Books of Hours (1486-1550) is the largest in the world, with 430 specimens, including 100 incunabula (books printed before 1501) and 100 unique copies. This collection surpasses those of major institutions such as the British Library and the Bibliothèque nationale de France. Tenschert’s meticulously curated catalogues in nine volumes, detailing the extensive collection, are considered masterful works of scholarship in their own right.

Beyond medieval manuscripts, Tenschert has also assembled remarkable collections of 18th- and 19th-century French illustrated books, huge collections of modern, private press and illustrated books as well as works from the court of Emperor Maximilian I, further establishing him as a versatile and visionary collector.

Publishing and Scholarship

In addition to dealing in rare books, Heribert Tenschert is a passionate publisher. Over the course of his career, he has published over 90 detailed catalogues of the books and collections in his stock. These catalogues are highly regarded for their scholarly merit and for the high-aiming aesthetics of their realization.

Tenschert’s publishing ventures extend beyond catalogues. Since 1994, he has been publishing annotated multi-volume editions of the works and letters of Rudolf Borchardt, as well as a luxurious edition of Martin Walser’s collected works in 2017, in honor of the novelist’s 90th birthday.

A Legacy of Excellence

Heribert Tenschert’s contributions to the rare book trade have not gone unnoticed. In 2002, he was awarded the prestigious Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres medal for his services to French arts and culture. In 2010, he received an honorary doctorate from his Alma Mater the University of Freiburg, recognizing his decades-long dedication to preserving and promoting the world’s literary and cultural heritage.