BRAUN, GEORG AND FRANS HOGENBERG, CIVITATES ORBIS TERRARUM. COLOGNE, (1599), (1596/97), 5 VOLUMES

5 volumes (of 6), folio, (415 x 277mm.), Latin text, 300 (of 304) double-page plates, one folding, CONTEMPORARY HAND-COLOUR (with the monogram AP and dated 1601 on the title-page of part 2), some plates and titles heightened in gold or silver, contemporary German calf, covers gilt and blindstamped in rectangles and lozenges with gilt arabesque centrepiece, volume number and the date 1601 stamped in gold on upper covers, spines gilt in compartments with remains of later paper manuscript lettering-pieces, gauffered edges, remains of green silk ties, lacking 5 plates, one map becoming detached, very slight wear to bindings, lacking some ties

Fuerstlich Auerspergsche Fideicommisbibliothek zu Laybach, bookplate, and inscriptions on title-pages stating that the volumes were entered into the library catalogue of Wolfgang Engelbert von Auersperg in 1655; from the library of Count Batthyány

Van der Krogt 41:1.1 (1599), 41:1.2 (1599), 41:1.3 (1599), 41:1.4 (1599), 41:1.5 (1596/97); Koeman B & H 1-5

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

AN EXCEPTIONAL COLOURED LATIN EDITION OF THE FIRST FIVE TOWN BOOKS."The Civitates orbis terrarum or the 'Braun & Hogenberg' is the most famous of the early town atlases. The Civitates was, like Ortelius' Theatrum, one of the best-selling works in the last quarter of the 16th century. Although it had no comparable predecessor, it immediately answered a great public demand because social, political and economic life at that time was concentrated in cities. Apart from that the pictorial style of the plans and views appealed very much to the uneducated public" (Van der Krogt). It is likely that the volumes were actually intended for the educated reader, as there are far more editions in Latin than in German and French. The titles for the latter editions were printed on slips and pasted over the Latin titles. The Civitates was published in Cologne from 1572 until 1617.

The contents of the parts is as follows: Part 1. 56 (of 58), lacking plates 1 "Londinum" and 32 "Decem et tria Loca Confoederatorum Helvetiae"; Part 2. 56 (of 59), lacking plates 40 "Basilea", 49 "Roma" and 56 "Alexandria"; Part 3. 59; Part 4. 59; Part 5. 70 (of 69), additional plate "Toletum, Pincia Vulgo Valladolid".