Catalog Archive
Auction 107, Lot 637

"Cosmographey das ist Beschreibung", Munster/Petri

Subject: Atlases

Period: 1598 (published)

Publication:

Color: Black & White

Size:
9 x 14.4 inches
22.9 x 36.6 cm
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Sebastian Munster probably had more influence in spreading geographical knowledge throughout Europe in the mid-sixteenth century than any of this contemporaries. His Cosmographia contained not only the latest maps and city views, but also included an encyclopedic amount of detail about the known, and unknown, world and its history. This German edition was published by Sebastian Petri and unlike most issues from this period, was printed on good quality paper. The volume includes two world maps, the four continents, 20 regional maps, plus over 1200 woodcuts including 70 double-page and 2 large folding plans (Vienna and Heidelberg). These include the famous plates of Europa Regina and Munster's Monsters. Small Folio, 1459 pp. (of 1461) lacking one leaf of text and the frontispiece. Contemporary vellum binding with six raised bands, recovered with modern end papers. A few pages at front and rear with loss (which appear to have been expurgated by a demented heretic, or perhaps an unruly child). The lost paper has been replaced with contemporary paper. The folding plates are frayed as is almost always the case, but otherwise the maps and plates are in remarkable condition. Bookplate of Dr. Fritz Eberhard, 1964 on endpaper.

References:

Condition: B

Maps with sharp impressions and very little to no text show through, a few small spots but overall very good to fine. Text with scattered foxing, damp stains, a few pencil markings and some loss as noted.

Estimate: $20,000 - $22,000

Sold for: $15,000

Closed on 6/9/2004

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