A large and difficult to find atlas, bound into four volumes. Contains 135 hand-colored and extravagant copperplate maps and charts. An additional 84 double-page text sheets, 11 tables, and 29 plates are interspersed throughout. The double-page plates are expertly engraved examples by Martinet and Aubin. Volume I shows advances in cosmography, geology, astronomy and oceanography, etc., and is illustrated with numerous examples of terrestrial and celestial comparisons and depictions. Volumes II, III and IV feature the history, geography and cartography of the Ancient World through the ages in tremendous detail. Each map is bordered at right and left with a chronology of events and other explanatory text. This is a superior example of this splendid and lavishly produced historical atlas. Folio. Complete in four volumes, each with its own title page and table of contents, however Volume IV is missing the title page. Hardbound in green leather; five raised bands and red leather title label on spine; marbled endpapers; all paper edges red.

References: cf. Phillips #628; cf. Shirley (BL Atlases) T.BUY-1b.

Condition: B+

The maps are in contemporary color with occasional foxing, toning and soiling. A couple of pages have chips along the fore-edge, not affecting the image. There is a previous owner's paper bookplate inside front cover of each volume. The covers and spines are lightly soiled and abraded with bumped corners on the covers, and a crack developing between the spines and covers. The front covers are slightly warped. Overall a very nice example of this atlas.