Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, Abrahamus Ortelius. Facsimile edition: Lausanne, Editions Sequoia, 1964. A complete, original-size facsimile atlas of the hand-colored 1570 Latin edition of Ortelius’s Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, held at the University Library of Leiden. Elephant Folio 16.5” x 11.8”. Red cloth boards with gilt titles. 53 photographic lithographs of maps, all in color; Latin text. Pages are joined into the atlas with binder stubs to lay flat when opened; highest quality heavy paper. Two light and small corner creases near end of volume; contents are otherwise, in fine condition. Light rubbing to head of spine. A beautifully produced facsimile.
The Ortelius Atlas, or the Theatrum orbis Terrarum, was written, expanded, and continuously republished in seven languages between 1570 and 1624. Alongside true-to-scale maps, the manuscript contains assembled information about the lands depicted and is illuminated with charming images. Abraham Ortelius, a Flemish geographer and cartographer, composed some of the most influential map series of the Middle Ages. His atlas represents the crowning of his most important work.
