Atlas Minor

Amsterdam, J. Janssonius, 1648-1651, 2 parts in one oblong 4to volume. 185×235 mm. Contemporary full vellum, Part One: Pages [12, including engraved title page], 460, [4, last blank], 114 full-page maps; Part Two: Pages [2, with engraved title page], 428, [2], 101 full-page maps. German text in two columns. Contemporary manuscript inscriptions on the first title page and on the front flyleaves.

A fine complete copy with a total of 2 illustrated title pages and 215 full-page engraved maps ,

A beautiful and rare German edition of Mercator’s popular small-format atlas. This complete copy includes the map of Kleve (out of text after p. 248 of Part I), which is not present in all copies and not listed by Koeman (but is mentioned by Van der Krogt).

The engravings are by Abraham Goos and Petrus Kaerius. Part I covers the British Isles, Northern Europe, Germany, and the Netherlands; Part II covers France, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Among the numerous and splendid maps by Abraham Goos and Petrus Kaerius are a world map in two hemispheres, a polar map, and maps of the four continents of Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, as well as numerous detailed maps of the continents.This is the first edition of the Atlas Minor in which Mercator’s name was omitted from the title page.

VD 17, 14:655906C; Phillips/L. 461; Koeman Me 203-4; Van der Krogt IIIB, 352:33.