Willem and Joan Blaeu | Le theatre du monde, 1643-1645, 4 volumes, contemporary presentation binding

Willem and Joan Blaeu

Le Theatre du Monde. Amsterdam, 1643-1645

4 volumes, folio (514 x 335mm.), French text, 335 (of 336) engraved maps, contemporary hand-colour, some maps unnumbered or numbered in pen and ink, contemporary Dutch vellum likely from the Blaeu workshop, presentation inscription stamped on upper cover (see provenance), extended fore-edges, edges gilt and gauffered, minor marginal staining or tears, occasional browning, a few minor repairs,lacking ties

A FINE FRENCH-TEXT COPY IN A PRESENTATION BINDING.

The set comprises:

Volume 1: Part one: Amsterdam, [1643, but with Latin overslip on title dated 1635], engraved title heightened in gilt, with Latin overslip. Part two: Amsterdam, 1643, engraved title heightened in gilt, with French overslip, together 120 engraved maps (one half page, some folding), index leaf in both parts, [Van der Krogt 2:212.1F]

Volume 2: First part: Amsterdam, 1643, engraved title heightened in gilt, French overslip. Second part: Amsterdam, 1644, engraved title heightened in gilt, French overslip, together 92 engraved maps (one folding), index leaf in both parts, [Van der Krogt 2:212.2F]

Volume 3: Amsterdam, 1643, engraved title heightened in gilt, French overslip, 66 engraved maps (some half page, one full page), index leaf at end, including the appendix of the British Isles, [Van der Krogt 2:212.3F and 2:211.3C], map number 15 entitled "Le Duche de Mantove" on recto of leaf and "Mantua Ducatus" on map, without leaf 22 (text only) as listed in Van der Krogt

Volume 4: Amsterdam, 1645, engraved title heightened in gilt, French overslip, dedication, 57 (of 58) engraved maps, 3 engraved illustrations in the text, map 2 and 3 "Britannia prout divisa" and "Anglia Regnum" appears to have been supplied from elsewhere since the text is incoherent, erratic pagination, [Koeman BL 42A, collates largely as Koeman], one map slightly shorter, lacking the map of Wales

A complete collation of the volumes is available upon request

PROVENANCE:

Presentation inscription dated 3 July 1646, from François du Monstier (rector of the University of Paris from 1643-1646) on behalf of the University of Paris to Omer Talon. Talon (c.1595-1652) was avocat-général to the French Parliament from 1632 until his death and a state councillor. He was also a patron of the University of Paris; armorial bookplate with chevron and 3 croissants accompanied by 3 épis.