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 handsome engraving depicts bird's-eye plans of the cities of York, Shrewsbury and Lancaster. Each plan contains a numbered key identifying important locations. At bottom right is a view of Richmond Palace, which suffered a fire in 1497, was rebuilt by Henry VII, and then destroyed in the 17th century as a result of the English Civil War. Flanking the views are historical figures representing England through the 16th century. At left are a Briton, Roman, Saxon and Dane, while at right are a king and queen, English nobles, English burghers, and English peasants. Latin text on verso.

References: Fussel, p. 442.

Condition: B+

A dark impression with scattered foxing mostly confined to the blank margins. There is a centerfold separation confined to the bottom blank margin that has been closed on verso with archival tape.