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[Title-Page] Novvs Atlas Das Ist Welt-Beschreibung ...

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Willem Janszoon Blaeu (1571-1638) was the founder of the Blaeu publishing house and established the fine reputation of Blaeu maps. He published his first world atlas, the "Atlantis Appendix" in 1630, in association with his eldest son, Joan Blaeu (c.1599-1673). The atlas was based around the printing plates acquired from Jodocus Hondius Jr.'s stock, who had himself published the later edition of Mercator's "Atlas". This work was expanded in 1631 to contain 98 maps and bore the joint imprint of father and son with the title "Appendix Theatri A.Ortelii Et Atlantis G. Mercatoris". In 1634 he commenced publication of the "Theatrum" or "Novus Atlas". This two-volume work was larger still with up to 208 maps. This atlas, published in four separate editions in four different languages, was clear evidence of his ambitions. In 1638 Willem Janszoon Blaeu died and control of the business passed to his son, Joan. He "aimed at the full description of heaven, earth and water" and continually expanded the "Novus Atlas" in this quest - it grew to up to 12 folio volumes by c.1662 and was known as the "Atlas Maior", finally incorporating over 650 maps. This is the titlepage to "Novus Atlas, Das Ist Welt-Beschreibung Mit Schonen Neuen AuBfuhrlichen Land-Taffeln In Kupffer Gestochen Und An Den Tag Gegeben" - a German text edition of the section of the Blaeu atlas devoted to British maps. The design is based on that used in Speed's " ... Great Britaine" with invaders and settlers shown.

region: Title Pages

mapmaker: J.Blaeu

place and date of publication: Amsterdam 1648

medium and colour: copperplate, Coloured
size in mm: 430 x 250

ref: 34091
literature: Shirley, Courtiers And Cannibals, 50.

Price: £ 460

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