Blaeu, Willem Janszoon and Johannes

Latin text edition, 6 volumes, folio (535 x 340mm.), half-title in volume one, 8 engraved titles or divisional titles (7 with printed over-slips), 404 engraved maps (most double-page) in contemporary colour, index leaf at end of each volume, contemporary Dutch vellum, gilt, leather labels on spine, yapp edges, folding maps slightly browned, volumes 4, 5, and 6 with some browning or discoloration to maps, volume 2 lacking leaf Q (Brasil text), binding very slightly rubbed, lacks ties

Koeman Bl 23B, 24A, 27A, 48, 49, 53; van der Krogt 2:203.1LM & LR, 203.3R, 203.302Ka.4, 401, 501

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."

A LANDMARK WORK BY WILLEM JANZSOON BLAEU AND HIS SON JOHANNES, the most well-known cartographical publishers of the seventeenth century, the golden age of Dutch map making. Johannes “aimed at  full description of heaven, earth and water “ (Koeman) and their multi-volume world atlas Theatrum orbis terrarum or Novus atlas was published in various editions and languages from 1635, a project that over thirty years led up to the publication of his Atlas Major (see following lot).

This six-volume set comprises:

Volume I, Part 1. World, Scandinavia and Germany. 1649; Part 2. Netherlands, together 120 maps
Volume II, Part 1. France. 1645; Part 2. Spain, Asia, Africa and America. 1645, together 92 maps
Volume III. Italy and Greece, 1655, 62 maps, without the "Scotia" section mentioned in the index (as usual)
Volume IV. England and Wales. 1648, 58 maps
Volume V. Scotland and Ireland. 1654, 55 maps
Volume VI. China and Japan. 1655, 17 maps