This is a fascinating World Chronicle by Johann Gottfried, translated from German to Dutch by Simon de Vries and published by Pieter van der Aa. The book covers the time period from the Creation until the 16th century and covers both religious and secular topics. The title page features an engraved allegorical view titled in Latin, The Study of Vigilance. The illustrations in the text cover every imaginable subject including sea monsters, the Garden of Eden, Roman battles and Colesium sport, knights battling dragons, and a superb illustration of an early book bindery. 1064 pp. divided into 7 books and a section on the German reformation. The book includes 1 world map, 2 title pages, 19 pages of portraits and hundreds of vivid illustrations.

The map included is Pieter van der Aa's Nova Delineatio Totius Orbis Terrarum Per Petrum Vander Aa (13.5 x 10"). Originally published by Jacob van Meurs in 1660, this map is based on Arnold Colom's wonderfully graphic map from the first world maritime atlas. California is an island, separated from Nova Albion, which stretches towards Asia and off the map. The western coast of New Zealand appears, as do several other important Pacific islands. Australia is partially mapped and only the southern tip of Tasmania appears. Each hemisphere includes a strap work cartouche, one with the Dutch title Niewe Werelt Caart. Superb engravings surround the map with representations of the gods Apollo and his sister Diana representing day and night with four female allegories of the elements of Fire, Air, Water and Earth.

Folio, in original full brown leather with raised bands and embossed, gilt spine.

References: Shirley #417.

Condition: B+

There are just a few tiny spots on the map, else fine. The other text pages are generally clean with a pleasant hint of toning. The hinge is starting and the covers show heavy wear with a hole on the lower front cover and chipped at head of spine. The leather covers are starting to separate from the boards, but are still intact and a few of the endpapers are crumpled.