This lot of title pages all feature a map or globe in the illustration. This group of sheets covers a wide range of styles and periods and form a great collection.

1) The History of the World, Walter Raleigh, published by Robert White, et al., London, 1676. A figure labeled Magistra Vitae representing History hoists a globe above her head with Good (Fama Bona) to the left and Evil (Fama Mala) to the right. The sheet is filled with allegorical figures. For a complete explanation of the allegory see Shirley (TP) #35. Creased with some soil and a repaired tear in the top left corner. (B) (7 x 11.8")

2) Germania Geographicis Tabulis Illustrata, Cornelius de Jode, Antwerp, [1593]. A very rare sheet with a map of Germany set within an architectural framework. Flanking the map are vignettes of a printing press and cannons. Sharp impression with a touch of unfinished coloring. The lower right corner of the margin is missing, not affecting the image. (A) (8.3 x 12.6")

3) Description Generale de l'Afrique…, Pierre d'Avity, Paris, 1643. The sheet is centered on a globe displaying the Eastern Hemisphere that rests on a grotesque stand. On the left is a group of European courtiers, and on the right is a group of African and Asian men. Ref. cf Shirley (TP) #44A. There is a smudged, manuscript ink name written above the image and some holes in the blank margins. (B) (9 x 13.7", image 7.5 x 5.3")

4) China Illust., Athanasius Kircher, published by Johann Waesberger, Amsterdam, 1667. Set within an architectural framework with two Chinese sages holding up a map of China. The right side margin has been extended for a previous rebinding with some small chips in the engraving filled. (B) (7 x 10.5")

5) Belgium sive Germania Inferior…, Nicolas Visscher, c. 1645. This nationalistic title page is rich in symbols of the aspirations and enterprises of the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg. The architectural framework supports the armorial shields of the provinces and major cities. At top, a commanding female personification of the Low Countries sits on a watchful lion. The two figures flanking the title represent Peace on the left and Law and Order on the right. Clustered around a Leo Belgicus map in the foreground are figures from the aristocracy, the merchant class, and peasantry. The elder Visscher, with his fishing net, can also be seen in the background. Ref. Shirley (TP) #36A. The margins are damaged with loss along the left side and the sheet is backed with paper. (C) (9.3 x 14.3")

6) Cartes de Geographie…, Pierre Duval, Paris, 1679. A large, crowned globe centered on the Indian Ocean is being lifted to the roof by a pair of putti with a variety of French figures looking on. There is a large damp stain at top and the table of contents is written in manuscript on verso. (C+) (9.5 x 15.5")

7) Grosser Atlas uber die Dantze Welt…, Johann Baptist Homann, Nuremberg, 1737. This attractive title page, printed in red and black, includes a map at bottom of the Northern Hemisphere showing California as an island. The sphere is surrounded by the sun, moon and stars. There is a small stain in the text and some tears in the bottom blank margin. (B+) (19 x 10.5", image 5.3 x 4")

References: See descriptions.

Condition:

See descriptions.