The Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, in the edition belonging to the Istituto Geografico Militare in Florence (dated 1595), represents the most advanced step of the work aiming at the improvement of the mapping technique of the then known world done by Abraham Ortelius, after the first edition of his work published by Plantin's printing-house in Antwerp in 1570.
Ortelius, a great Dutch cartographer and geographer (1527-1598), put together all the geographical and map-making knowledge of his days and reproduced in 147 spectacular engraved tables the most faithful image of the world as it aws known in his days. To these he added some most remarkable 'historic maps' showing districts and itineraries from literature. mythology and tradition.
The work met with an exceptional editorial success, due not only to the plates but also to the text which is an authentic geographic and cartographic encyclopaedia, with technical information as to methods of projection and names of distinguished map-makers.
Because of its value, also due to its exquisite decorations, this work became the victim of continuous mutilations and dismemberment on behalf of merchants and collectors, so much so that today only very few intact copies remain. Among these the magnificent one of the Istituto Geografico Militare, with its beautiful antique water-coloured plates, which is here reproduced in perfect facsimile.
Volume (sixe 295 x 453 mm) with coloured dust-jacket and a cardboard slip-case.
Facsimile edition of 998 numbered copies for the whole world.
