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. Mets, hand color (19.1 x 14"). This lovely bird's-eye view of Metz shows the fortified city surrounded by the Seille and Moselle Rivers. A numbered key at bottom right identifies numerous places, and is continued in a field above. The famous cathedral, Saint-Etienne de Metz, looms above the city near the center of the view. French text on verso. References: Fussel, pp. 150-51. Condition: Lovely old color with light, marginal soiling. (A)

B. Monspessulanus, Montpellier [on sheet with] Turo, Tours [and] Pictavis, sive Pictavia..., black & white (18.8 x 12.6"). This sheet includes panoramic views of Montpellier, Tours, and Poitiers. The views of Montpellier and Tours include lettered keys identifying buildings, while the view of Poitiers names key buildings within the image. Latin text on verso. References: Fussel, p. 60. Condition: A nice impression on watermarked paper with light marginal soiling. (A)

C. Rubeacum, vulgo Russach, hand color (8.7 x 6.4"). This view shows Rouffach, France, with the Isenbourg castle looming over the city. This view has been trimmed from a sheet containing four views. References: Fussel, pp. 172-73. Condition: Lovely old color with light soiling. There are a few short cracks and small hole at bottom left that have been repaired with old paper on verso. Remargined at left and bottom with old paper. (B+)

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See description above.