Pitt, Moses

4 volumes, large folio (583 x 364mm.), engraved portrait in each volume, engraved title in vol. 1, 2 and 4 (vol.1 with architectural general title by J. van Munnikhuysen after L. Webbers, title in vol. 2 and 4 with letterpress pasted on), printed titles, directions to binder and advertisements at end of vol.1 and 2, 174 maps (all but 6 double-page), contemporary hand-colour, titles, portraits and several maps heightened in gold, non-uniform contemporary vellum gilt, ties on vol.4 only, lacking the Laplanders plate, occasional repair or restoration, minor tears, volume 4 rebacked, lightly rubbed and soiled

National Maritime Museum Catalogue 3, 410; Shirley, British Library T.Pitt-1a

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

The work comprises two world maps and a map of the North Pole, with the remaining sheets covering Northern and Eastern Europe, particularly Germany and the Low Countries, all based on Dutch cartography. Moses Pitt had planned to produce a twelve volume atlas in the Blaeu-Janssonius traditon, however this project failed after only 4 volumes were published. He was imprisoned for debt and published The Cry of the Oppressed (1691) about the prison condition. This atlas was almost entirely compiled from old plates acquired from the plate stock of Joannes Janssonius. The two world maps are: J. van Loon's Orbis terrarum nova et accuratissima tabula [Shirley 439] and Pieter van den Keere's Nova totius terrarum orbis geographica ac hydrographica tabula in the revised Janssonius (post 1620) state [Shirley 504].