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.

Lovely, bird's-eye city plan of Bar-le-Duc, located in the Lorraine region of France. This city is viewed from the north with the suburb and the church of Notre-Dame (X) in the foreground. Beyond the Ornain River is the Lower Town and then the Upper Town with the duke's palace (G), to the east of which is the old church of Saint-Pierre (B). This view shows wonderful details of all the buildings and the surrounding countryside with a lettered and numbered key at the bottom left to help with identification. Latin text on verso.

References: Fussel pp. 446-447.

Condition: B+

A sharp impression with wide original margins. The centerfold is toned and has an old repair on verso.