- 326
Mercator, Gerard.
Estimate
30,000 - 35,000 GBP
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Description
- Atlas sive cosmographicae meditationes de fabrica mundi et fabricati figura. Amsterdam: H. Hondius, 1630
Folio (470 x 310mm.), Latin text, architectural engraved title, double-page portrait of Mercator and Hondius and 164 engraved mapsheets (all but one double-page), fine dark impressions, contemporary vellum, a few maps very lightly discoloured, spine slightly chipped, lacking 2 ties
Literature
Van der Krogt 1:107; Koeman Me II 29B
Catalogue Note
The Mercator/Hondius atlas is one of the most important in history. It is the culmination of Gerard Mercator's life's work as a cartographic editor. First issued by Mercator's heirs in 1595, publication was continued by Jodocus Hondius who purchased the plates in 1604. By the time this 1630 edition was issued, it had become the most significant geographical work of its time.
1630 marked a turning point in Dutch cartography. Willem Blaeu issued his first terrestrial atlas that year and Johannes Janssonius took over the publication of the Mercator/Hondius atlas. For this 1630 edition, nine new maps were added.