Ortelius, Abraham.

First edition, second issue, folio (400 x 275mm.), Latin text edition, engraved architectural title, "Catalogus auctorum" with 91 names, 53 double-page engraved maps, dark impressions, text and maps ruled in red throughout, eighteenth-century vellum, annotations on title and edge of map 23 smudged or blanked out, occasional spotting or light margin discoloration

Koeman III, Ort 1B; van der Krogt 31:001B; Printing and the Mind of Man, 91

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, 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."

Rare first edition of a landmark in the history of printing; the first uniformly-sized, systematic collection of maps based on contemporary knowledge. Koeman identifies four variants of the 1570 edition. All of these were in Latin, the first being dated 20 May 1570 in the colophon. The three succeeding issues have small changes such as the number of names in the “Catalogus auctorum”, textual alterations, and so on. The present copy is the second issue, with ninety-one names in the "Catalogus auctorum". "The first copies of the Theatrum were ready in June 1570. On 17th June 1570 Ortelius delivered forty copies of the atlas to Plantin. During that year, 119 more copies of the Theatrum followed" (van der Krogt).