Blaeu, Willem | "The greatest and finest ever produced"

Blaeu, Willem

Le Théâtre du Monde ou nouvel atlas contenant les chartes et descriptions de tous les pais de la terre mis en lumière. Amsterdam: 1638-1640

3 volumes (510 x 330 mm). French text, 278 (of 279) copper-engraved maps (lacking "L'Empire de Charlemagne") on tabs, contemporary hand-color; browning, marginal repairs to text leaves, a few marginal and closed tears to maps expertly repaired, and few instances of minor creasing. Contemporary Dutch vellum with yapp edges, spines with raised bands in seven compartments, covers decoratively paneled in gilt with central gilt lozenge, gilt fleur-de-lis device to spine compartment, edges gilt; some soiling, some cracking to joints.

Blaeu's atlas, regarded as the "greatest and finest...ever produced"

In addition to being a distinguished publisher, Willem Janszoon Blaeu studied under the renowned Danish astronomer, Tycho Brahe, and had a strong scientific background. Blaeu also learned instrument and globe-making from Brahe—indeed, Blaeu's first cartographic work as a globe published in 1599. His first map was produced in 1604.

In 1630, Blaeu published his first atlas. It wasn't, however, until the 1638 edition (completed in 1640) that his work represented full international coverage. After Willem's death in 1638, his sons, Joan and Cornelis carried on his legacy. In 1672, a fire destroyed most of the firm's stock, including many of the copperplates from which the maps were printed.

REFERENCE

Koeman Bl 16A; Bl 17; Bl 35A