This is the second edition of Merula's Cosmographiae and includes 56 maps interspersed in geographical commentary. This edition was published by Henricus Hondius, who used the maps from Bertius' miniature atlas, published by Jodocus Hondius in 1616. Both Shirley and Van der Krogt note that the 1621 edition was published by Jodocus Hondius and neither mentions a subsequent edition by Henricus Hondius. However the title page of this example has been amended with Henricus' name, and therefore was likely published in 1622 or shortly thereafter. The maps focus on Spain (13 maps), France (23 maps), and Italy (18 maps), and also include maps of the world and Europe.

The world map is a double hemisphere based on Mercator's famous world map with several updates by Jodocus Hondius. Terra Australis Incognita fills the Southern Hemisphere and connects to New Guinea in the region of Australia. Mercator's Northwest Passage and interesting polar islands have been replaced with a non-descript landmass. The eastern coast of Asia has been revised to include a Korean Peninsula.

Small folio, 1075 pp., title page, 56 maps. Hardbound in full leather with raised bands, gilt tooling, and black leather title label on spine; marbled endpapers.

References: Shirley (BL Atlases) T.MERU-2a; cf. Van der Krogt (Vol. III) #342:01.

Condition: B+

The majority of the maps are in near fine (A) or very good (B+) condition, with occasional toning, offsetting, or light damp stains. Several maps are in good (B) condition with moderate toning. Most of the text is clean and bright, but some pages have light to heavy toning, occasional foxing, damp stains along the edges, and a rare tear on a few sheets. The title page has moderate toning. The front hinge is starting and the covers are lightly worn with bumped corners. The spine has some small abrasions and chips.