Ortelius, Abraham

Theatrum orbis terrarum ... The Theatre of the Whole World. London: [Bradwood for] John Norton (and John Bill), 1606



Folio (17 3/8 x 10 1/2 in.; 441 x 267 mm). Large engraved allegorical title-page vignette, separate engraved allegorical title-page to the Parergon, large engraved arms of James I on title-page verso, letterpress dedication, engraved epitaph on Ortelius within allegorical architectonic border, large engraved portrait of Ortelius, small engraving of a globe on verso of colophon leaf,  161 full-sheet engraved maps (including the 5 views depicting views of the Escurial, the Temple at Delphi, and costume of the Holy Roman Empire), woodcut initials and head- and tailpieces, all finely colored by a contemporary hand, title-page, arms, epitaph, and portrait further heightened with gold; title-page soiled, worn at upper right corner, and abraded with loss and crude repair, maps of England and Ireland on larger sheets, folded at edges to fit, with some wear and restoration, many sheets discolored and with short separations at central fold, map of Poictou abraded and crudely repaired, small wormhole at lower margins of preliminaries and first 12 maps occasionally touching image, some scattered soiling, occasional browning, and scattered marginal tears. Disbound; battered near-contemporary boards present.

Koeman III, Ort 37; van der Krogt 31:551

Theatrum orbis terrarum ... The Theatre of the Whole World. London: [Bradwood for] John Norton (and John Bill), 1606 Folio (17 3/8 x 10 1/2 in.; 441 x 267 mm). Large engraved allegorical title-page vignette, separate engraved allegorical title-page to the Parergon, large engraved arms of James I on title-page verso, letterpress dedication, engraved epitaph on Ortelius within allegorical architectonic border, large engraved portrait of Ortelius, small engraving of a globe on verso of colophon leaf, 161 full-sheet engraved maps (including the 5 views depicting views of the Escurial, the Temple at Delphi, and costume of the Holy Roman Empire), woodcut initials and head- and tailpieces, all finely colored by a contemporary hand, title-page, arms, epitaph, and portrait further heightened with gold; title-page soiled, worn at upper right corner, and abraded with loss and crude repair, maps of England and Ireland on larger sheets, folded at edges to fit, with some wear and restoration, many sheets with short separations at central fold, map of Poictou abraded and crudely repaired, small wormhole at lower margins of preliminaries and first 12 maps occasionally touching image, some scattered soiling, occasional browning, and scattered marginal tears. Disbound; battered near-contemporary boards present.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

First—and only—edition of Ortelius's Theatrum in English; very rare handcolored and complete. "The first 'proper' world atlas to be published in England with English text. It is a very interesting atlas from a number of points of view. It has more maps than any other edition of Ortelius, whether before or after. The book was the largest ever printed and published in England up to that date. ... It was a particularly small edition and not sold through the house of Chrisopher Plantin" (Wardington Catalogue). The English text was based on the Latin edition of Ortelius; the letterpress was printed at Eliot's Court Press by Bradwood.