Tous les pays - World; Joan Blaeu - Atlas Maior of 1665 - 1665/2010

The largest and most admirable Atlas ever published.
Publication by Taschen, in large format, of a facsimile of the Atlas Major, the most beautiful and comprehensive of baroque atlases, published in 1665 by Johann Blaeu. This remarkable work remains one of the finest examples of cartography to this day, even though it is only a part of the monumental atlas conceived by Joan Blaeu. The full title was: 'Atlas maior sive cosmographia Blaviana, ...' (Greater Atlas or Blaeu's Cosmography, in which the earth, sea, and sky are described very precisely). The 11 volumes partially reissued in this facsimile contain only the first part, the description of the earth. The second part with maps of the seas and the third with maps of the sky will never be published.
The very rare copy used as the basis for this edition is kept at the National Library of Vienna.
An introduction by Peter van der Krogt, from Utrecht University, details the cultural and historical context of the creation of this atlas and the adventures that accompanied it; it also provides detailed descriptions of the maps to allow the contemporary reader to fully appreciate Blaeu's masterpiece.
Work published in 2010. A large folio book measuring 40 x 27 x 6 cm and weighing 5.1 kg, with a box and dust jacket. It contains on its 512 pages: Foreword by Joan Blaeu, 1665; Introduction to geography by Joan Blaeu; The Atlas of Joan Blaeu, introduction by Peter van der Krogt, catalog of maps with a selection of texts by Joan Blaeu; Index of maps.
Work in excellent condition.
The photos complement the description.
For overseas and non-EEC shipping, please consult me about the costs before bidding.