The finest and most comprehensive baroque atlas was Joan Blaeu's exceptional "Atlas Maior," completed in 1665. This reprint is made from the National Library of Vienna's complete, colored, gold-heightened copy, thus assuring the best possible detail and quality.

The Atlas Maior, the cartographical masterpiece of the Baroque period, was brought out between 1662 and 1665 by the Amsterdam publisher Joan Blaeu, one of Holland’s leading cartographers. Originally appearing in Latin, the atlas comprised 594 maps in 11 volumes, which depicted the whole of the world as known to early modern Europe. It was the largest and most expensive book published during the 17th century. For more than 100 years it remained the definitive atlas of the world, and today is among the most sought-after and valuable antiquarian rarities. This reprinted edition in six volumes is based on the hand-colored, gold-heightened copy in the Österreichische Nationalbibliothek in Vienna, thus ensuring the best possible detail and quality. Alongside Joan Blaeu’s original commentaries on the individual maps, a new text by Peter van der Krogt explains the historical and cultural associations and introduces the reader to the fascinating world of early modern cartography. This volume features all 60 maps of Italy and the text is in Italian, English, and German.

A standard reference work and collector's guide to old maps. Antique Maps is now firmly established as a definitive reference work. With extensive information on the general historical background, details of all the major map-makers and practical advice on collecting old maps, it provides an excellent introduction for the beginner as well as a mass of precise and clearly organized information for the expert and the serious collector. A beautiful edition in itself, this timeless volume evokes the elegance of maps from the past and the charm of all the distant places they suggest, to show them not only as historical artefacts but also as works of art.

The whole world is mapped out for your viewing pleasure in this captivating compendium, ranging from past to present through diverse themes of transport and technology to discoveries and development. Covering the classical maps of the ancient world and traveling through time to reach Google Earth in the 21st century, this unprecedented history of more than 60 maps opens up our planet as never before. Great Maps showcases early Medieval maps like including mappae mundi; iconic transport maps such as the London Underground; important travel maps including Dr. Livingstone's version of Africa; maps of natural wonders such as the ocean floor; and momentous moments including the marks on the Moon left by the lunar landings. There are maps that show the way to heaven, depict lands with no sunshine, and the mysterious home of "the people with no bowels" on this mind-blowing journey. Much more than just geographical data, maps are an accurate reflection of the culture and context of different time frames in history. British historian Jerry Brotton tells the amazing secret stories behind many of the most significant maps ever unearthed, revealing key features and innovative techniques in incredible detail. The unique insight into how mapmakers have expressed their world views results in this treasured book that makes a welcome addition to any bookshelf or home library.

Discover the mysteries within ancient maps — Where exploration and mythology meet This richly illustrated book collects and explores the colorful histories behind a striking range of real antique maps that are all in some way a little too good to be true. Mysteries within ancient maps: The Phantom Atlas is a guide to the world not as it is, but as it was imagined to be. It's a world of ghost islands, invisible mountain ranges, mythical civilizations, ship-wrecking beasts, and other fictitious features introduced on maps and atlases through mistakes, misunderstanding, fantasies, and outright lies. Where exploration and mythology meet: Author Edward Brooke-Hitching is a map collector, author, writer for the popular BBC Television program QI and a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. He lives in a dusty heap of old maps and books in London investigating the places where exploration and mythology meet. Cartography’s greatest phantoms: The Phantom Atlas uses gorgeous atlas images as springboards for tales of deranged buccaneers, seafaring monks, heroes, swindlers, and other amazing stories behind cartography's greatest phantoms. If you are a fan of this popular genre and a reader of books such as Prisoners of Geography, Atlas of Ancient Rome, Atlas Obscura, What If, Book of General Ignorance, or Thing Explainer, your will love The Phantom Atlas