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.

A beautiful bird's-eye view of the medieval town of Frankfurt on the river Main, showing the city as it was in the 16th century. This city center was destroyed in Word War II. The view shows the expansive farmland surrounding the city, and in the foreground is a couple dressed in the typical attire of the region. Latin text on verso.

References:

Condition: A

Nice original color on a sheet with a few faint spots and a printer's crease. Centerfold professionally reinforced with tissue on the verso.