Johannes Blaeu's Atlas Major or 'Grand Atlas' is considered the most beautiful and remarkable atlas ever published. It was the largest and most expensive printed book of the seventeenth century, consisting of nearly 600 double-page maps and 3,000 pages of text, lavishly bound in from nine to twelve volumes. The maps were richly embellished, often hand-colored and heightened with gold, and epitomized the style and quality of the period, which has become known as the 'Golden Age' of cartography. This French edition of Volume II contains the engraved title page, 39 maps and plans (Books III, IV, V, VI and VII) covering Scandinavia, the Baltic, Russia, Poland, Eastern Europe, the Balkans, Greece and the eastern Mediterranean. Includes the beautiful map of the Kremlin and the exquisite four sheet "Tractus Burysthenis…" Complete per list of maps. The maps are in exquisite original color, highlighted with gold leaf and obviously applied by a highly skilled illuminator. Original vellum binding with beautiful gold embossed decoration and gilt edges.

References: Phillips (A) #3430

Condition: C

Toned & foxed throughout, with oxidation and offsetting. "Urbis Moskvae" with heavy oxidation & two old repairs. Boards warped, missing vellum on 3/4 of the spine & an inside corner. Contents still sound. Well worthy of conservation.