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FIRST EDITION. This is an example of the fourth volume of Joan Blaeu’s ‘Theatrum Orbis Terrarum’, covering England and Wales, with fine colouring, the title beautifully illuminated in gold. 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 publication, contained 18 maps. Both joined a race to make their fourth volumes a complete atlas of the British Isles. Blaeu was first, publishing this 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 an example of the first edition. Provenance: private foreign collection. Koeman (1967-70) Bl 43A pp. 175-7; Skelton (1970) 28; Van der Krogt (1997-2010).
BLAEU, Willem Janszoon and Joan
Theatrum Orbis Terrarum sive Atlas Novus pars Quarta
Amsterdam, 1645
FIRST EDITION. Folio (500 x 340 mm.), full contemporary Dutch yap vellum with ornate gilt panelled decoration, manuscript title to spine, gilt edged, with ornate blind edging near spine, vellum replacement to lower corner portion of rear board. With magnificent engraved architectural title page in early wash colour HEIGHTENED IN GOLD, title printed on an overslip and pasted down, pp. (8), 460 (paginated), (2), with 58 copperplate engraved maps (57 double-page), 3 half-page illustrations, all in early outline and wash colour. The maps comprise 4 general and 54 county and island maps of England and Wales, with Latin text, mounted on guards throughout, light spotting throughout, some leaves with even toning as usual, some light marginal water staining to first few leaves, otherwise a good example.
Stock number: 10718
SOLD