Stridbeck - Galliae sive Franciae Geographica Descriptio - 1695

A very rare pocket atlas of high scientific and collector's relevance, which opens up France in an era-typical combination of precision and comprehensive survey.

First edition. Augsburg, Jacob Koppmayer for Johann Stridbeck, about 1695, with a double-page large engraved frontispiece, 34 engraved maps and 1 engraved mile indicator. Leather binding of the period. 18 x 8 cm
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Very rare complete specimen, the atlas that is rarely found complete in trade and libraries, entirely devoted to the cartographic depiction of France and its border regions. Equipped with a magnificent double-sided copper-engraved title, a total of 34 copper-engraved maps (of which 2 are folded, 32 double-sided, predominantly contemporarily border-coloured) as well as a double-sided engraved mile indicator.

What makes this atlas especially noteworthy is its exceptional concept: the 32 individual maps are laid out so that they – including the scale margins – can be assembled into a single large-format map of France (approximately 56 × 88 cm). In addition to France, neighboring regions are covered as well, such as southern England, Belgium, northeast Spain, northwest Italy, and large parts of the Holy Roman Empire up to the line Meissen–Straubing–Vicenza–Bologna. The work is supplemented by a folded general map and a folded overview map.

Not listed by Phillips. A cartographically and conceptually outstanding testament to the German reception of France in the Baroque.
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Contemporary leather binding with age-appropriate signs of use, corners and joints with small defects, otherwise a very clean copy.