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.

This panoramic view depicts Munich along the Isar River. Numbered and lettered keys identify many important buildings, including the Frauenkirche, also known as the cathedral of our Blessed Lady. The matching cartouches in the bottom corners of the view feature a 24-verse poem about Munich by the knight Anselmus Stöckli. The map is dedicated to William V, Duke of Bavaria. Engraved by Georg Hoefnagel. French text on verso.

References: Fussel, pp. 327-329.

Condition: B+

A nice impression on paper with a coat of arms watermark, a tiny hole in the title at top, very light toning that is a bit more visible along the centerfold, and a few spots of foxing in the blank margins.