Braun & Hogenberg's Civitates Orbis Terrarum or "Cities of the World" was published between 1572 and 1617. Within the six volumes, 531 towns and cities were depicted on 363 plates, providing the reader with the pleasures of travel without the attendant discomforts. Braun wrote in the preface to the third book, "What could be more pleasant than, in one's own home far from all danger, to gaze in these books at the universal form of the earth . . . adorned with the splendor of cities and fortresses and, by looking at pictures and reading the texts accompanying them, to acquire knowledge which could scarcely be had but by long and difficult journeys?" Braun and Hogenberg incorporated an astonishing wealth of information into each scene beyond the city layout and important buildings. The plates provide an impression of the economy and prominent occupations, and illustrate local costumes, manners and customs.

Beautiful plan of the city of Bristol. Situated on the Avon River, which leads to the Bristol Channel and then the Atlantic, this location led to its status as an important embarkation point for many voyages to the Americas. The plan shows three people in the freoground attired in the fashion of the locality, and above them is a cartouche containing the title and a numbered key to 15 important points within the map. Latin text on verso.

References:

Condition: A

A good impression with old color. Wide original margins with a faint damp stain at the bottom and paper repairs to the lower corners, not affecting the map.