A fine example of the fourth volume of Joan Blaeu’s ‘Theatrum Orbis Terrarum’, with fine colouring as it should be found. Blaeu’s first topographical atlas appeared in 1630 in one volume and was gradually expanded. By 1640 it was in three volumes and contained just 4 British Isles maps. His chief rival, the Hondius-Jansson atlas contained 18 maps. Both joined a race to make their fourth volumes a complete atlas of the British Isles. Blaeu was first, publishing his magnificent work in 1645, one year before that of Jansson’s. The work of Blaeu set a standard of design, beauty and quality that arguably has never been surpassed. This is a variant of the first Dutch edition with a pasted on title dated 1648. The first was issued in 1647, the text being completely reset for the 1648 issue. Here we find the text in its first published state. Two further volumes would be issued at later dates. Koeman I Bl 46; Shirley BL T.Bla 1j; Skelton 38; Van der Krogt 2.322.