Blaeu. Atlas Maior

Joan Blaeu's Atlas Maior is a masterpiece in the realm of cartography, known for its unparalleled grandeur and historical significance. Completed in 1665, the original Latin version was the largest and costliest book of its time, featuring 594 exquisitely detailed maps across 11 volumes that showcased regions such as the Arctic, Africa, Asia, Europe, and America. This monumental work is celebrated as a key element of the Canon of Dutch History, highlighting its importance to the Netherlands' cultural and historical legacy. Today, TASCHEN has carefully recreated this Baroque marvel, allowing contemporary audiences to appreciate its timeless charm in a world dominated by digital maps and instant communication. This reprint is sourced from a beautifully preserved colored and gold-enhanced copy housed in the Austrian National Library, ensuring that every detail is faithfully reproduced. Peter van der Krogt from the University of Amsterdam enriches this edition with insights into the atlas's cultural and historical context, alongside comprehensive descriptions of the individual maps, demonstrating the immense scope and ambition of Blaeu's iconic work.