BLAEU, WILLEM & JAN | Le Théâtre du Monde ou Nouvel Atlas contenant le Chartes et descriptions de tous les le païs de la terre mis en lumière.. Amsterdam: Blaeu, 1645, 1644, 1644, 1646

BLAEU, WILLEM & JAN 

Le Théâtre du Monde ou Nouvel Atlas contenant le Chartes et descriptions de tous les le païs de la terre mis en lumière.. Amsterdam: Blaeu, 1645, 1644, 1644, 1646

4 vols., folio (19 7/8 x 13 1/8 in.; 504 x 333 mm). 328 (of 337) handcolored full-sheet engraved maps (a few larger and folding & a few single-page), 4 (of 6) engraved title-pages, handcolored and heightened with gold, letterpress half-title in vol. 1, woodcut and engraved and woodcut diagrams and illustrations (several handcolored, including a view of Stonehenge on 4.Mm2v), woodcut initials and head- and tailpieces, with a contemporary multi-ribbon pink silk bookmark; lacking 4 maps and section-title to part 2 from vol. 1 including the World, 2 maps and section-title to part 2 from vol. 2 including Africa, 3 maps and text leaves Q2 & R1–2 from vol. 4, various browning throughout, sometimes severe, occasional marginal dampstaining, especially at end of vol. 1, some marginal tears, fold separations, and repairs. Original publisher's vellum, paneled in gilt with central gilt arabesques and corner pieces, red and black morocco spine labels plain endpapers and edges; a bit scuffed and stained. 

A good set of an early edition of the greatest world atlas ever published, with full contemporary handcoloring throughout and bound in the original publisher’s vellum.

REFERENCES

Koeman Bl 19B, Bl 18B, Bl 35E, Bl 42B