"[Facsimile] Dixieme Volume de la Geographie Blaviane, Contenant le XVII. Livre de l'Europe, et l'Afrique", Blaeu, Johannes

This sumptuous facsimile atlas reproduces the tenth volume of the 1663 first French edition of Blaeu’s Atlas Maior, covering Spain, Portugal, and Africa. It was published by Theatrum Orbis Terrarum Ltd. as a part of their 12-volume set commemorating the third centenary of the atlas. This facsimile edition was reproduced from original sets belonging to the Amsterdam and Leiden University Libraries. The colored maps and plates were reproduced after the hand-colored copy presented by Blaeu himself to Colbert, Minister to King Louis XIV of France. Only 1000 copies were printed. The volume contains 34 maps, three in vibrant full color (Portugal, Africa, and Malta); 7 engravings covering notable Spanish architecture, three of them fold-outs; and two frontispieces, one of which is in color. Maps are attached with guards to enable flat opening. 285 pages of text. Tall folio, hardbound in faux vellum with Blaeu's elaborate gilt design on covers and spine, and blue morocco spine labels with gilt titling.

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Condition: B+

Contents are good with slightly bumped corners at lower right. Covers are lightly soiled.