This work, written by Ambrosius Macrobius, is a commentary on Cicero's Dream of Scipio. It includes a rare woodcut map of the world (3.1 x 3.1") illustrating Cicero's interesting theories. This diagrammatic map shows two distinct regions of the earth. The inhabited Afro-Eurasian continent was balanced by an unknown, and relatively equal, landmass (Temperata Antipodunobis Incognita) on the other side of an impassable torrid zone (Perusta) and a great boiling sea (Alveus Oceani). It was this notion of antipodean balance and landmass equivalence that continued to attract Renaissance minds to the otherwise outmoded geographical ideas of Macrobius. Distinguished cartographers like Mercator and Ortelius would later incorporate Macrobius' model into an immense southern continent (Australis Incongita) to balance the known lands of the world, and the division of the world into climactic zones is still in use today.

According to King, this is the fifth woodcut map (out of nine) that was used in various editions of Macrobius' work. This woodcut was used in editions between 1532-1560. Although the title page is missing from this example, the date can be ascertained by the page number on the map (p. 148) and the number of pages in the volume (590 pages).

Macrobius was a 5th century Roman neoplatonic philosopher. His commentary on Cicero’s Somnium Sciponis was of great influence in the Middle Ages and gained popularity with the advent of printing. First published in Brescia in 1483, numerous editions appeared throughout the 16th century. His commentary includes several chapters dealing with his own conception of the world and the universe. It also contains references to many facets of the scientific knowledge of his time, including references to physics, astronomy, and mathematics. 590 pages, map at p. 148, 7 additional woodcuts, and extensive index. Lacks title page. Hardbound in vellum with manuscript title on the spine and fore-edge of text block, with original leather ties.

See also lot 734 for Geoffrey King's Miniature Antique Maps and lot 735 for Rodney Shirley's The Mapping of the World that both describe this map.

References: Shirley #13; King (3rd ed.) #1489; Moecker (MapForum #4), pp. 26-30.

Condition: B+

The map and other engravings are sharp, early impressions on bright sheets. There is very light, scattered foxing in the text, a few old manuscript ink notations, and a faint damp stain that affect the bottom right corner of about half the pages. The vellum binding is lightly cockled with some stains and soiling. The original leather ties are mostly intact although well worn.