Wit, Frederick de

Folio (445 x 290mm.), 32 engraved maps and charts (29 double-page and 3 folding), contemporary outline colour, contemporary calf, housed in red morocco-backed box, some restoration to lower corners (affecting 4 maps), some marginal soiling

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."

Very important early Dutch composite atlas apparently assembled in 1654 (the latest date found on any plate) combining 32 maps and charts published by the Blaeus, Cornelis Dankerts, Frederick de Wit, and Theunis Jacobsz.

The highlights are Danckerts’ maps of the Danube, the Rhine and the Elbe (otherwise respectively recorded in two, one and one examples) and five charts by Theunis Jacobsz. In addition Lootsman depicting coastlines of parts of Africa, North America, South America, and the West Indies, notably the general chart of the eastern seaboard of North America, their appearance here substantially predating their recorded usage by Koeman.

The volume also contains de Wit’s reprinting of van Deutecum’s map of the Netherlands, 1652, his second published map, and seven charts by him, all dated 1654, forming the nucleus of a sea-atlas, but the plates in other hands by 1658, so rare thus.

It seems likely that this volume was assembled by de Wit as one of his first steps as a cartographic publisher, and forms an important, and unique, record of his early career.