- 38
Mercator, Gerard and Jodocus Hondius.
Estimate
25,000 - 30,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Atlas or a Geographicke description of the Regions, Countries and Kingdomes of the World... Translated by Henry Hexham. Amsterdam: "Henry Hondius and John Johnson", 1636
- paper
First edition in English, 2 volumes, folio (487 x 330mm.), engraved titles (without the letterpress overslips over titles and on imprint), dedication leaf to Charles I, 195 (of 196) double-page engraved maps, registers bound at beginning of both volumes, later panelled calf in period style, lacking engraved portrait of Mercator and Hondius and map 75 (Transylvania), the map of Iceland supplied from a German edition, several maps shaved at margins, maps 1 and 2 with repaired tears (World and Arctic), some very occasional offsetting and spotting
Literature
Koeman II, Me 41A and 41B (v2); van der Krogt 1:341.1A and 1:341.2B
Condition
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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
The Mercator-Hondius atlas is one of the most important atlases in history. Begun by Mercator in 1595, it was continued by Jodocus Hondius who purchased Mercator's plates in 1604. In 1606 the first Amsterdam edition of the Mercator Atlas appeared; from then to 1638 the atlas saw many enlarged editions in various languages.
This edition was prepared for sale into the English market. It was compiled at a transitional time for the atlas; twenty maps appear here for the first time, while numerous other maps show re-engraving, most notably the replacement of original decorative features to give a more contemporary appearance to the maps. Seemingly popular (there were three editions in a short space of time) the atlas is now rarely encountered.