Ptolemaeus, Claudius.

Folio (380 x 275mm.), large woodcut device on title, 27 double-page maps of the ancient world, 22 double-page maps of the modern world, one full-page map of Lotharingia on verso of map 46, together 50 woodcut maps, most with text on verso within elaborate woodcut borders (said to be the work of Hans Holbein and Urs Graf), numerous woodcut diagrams in the text, later vellum-backed boards with gilt label on spine, fore-margin of title restored (but without loss of text), fore-margins of text leaves a-c2 repaired without loss, some occasional light browning and marginal soiling

Nordenskiöld Collection 2:209; Phillips, Atlases 364; Sabin 66483; Shirley, British Library T.PTOL-7d

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."

A reduction of the first modern world atlas with important additions

Martin Waldseemüller's edition of Ptolemy, from 1513, has been termed the first modern atlas on account of the suite of modern maps inserted at the end of the book. Then, as now, the book was an expensive production so, in conjunction with Waldseemüller's publisher Laurent (Lorenz) Fries created a reduced version seeking to tap a broader market.

However, this was no slavish copy; Fries introduced a new map of the world and maps of the East Indies and China, these latter pair the first printed maps of those regions. With the modern map 'Tabula Terra Nova', the second atlas map of the New World, Fries' atlas was important in disseminating the new geographical knowledge, showing how much the world view had changed in the thirty years since Columbus' voyage, and is really the earliest world atlas affordable for a modern collector.