Atlas Maior

About this book

""The greatest and finest atlas ever published"" The finest and most comprehensive baroque atlas was Johann Blaeus exceptional Atlas Major completed in 1662. The original 11-volume Latin edition containing 593 maps put Blaeu ahead of his staunch competitor mapmaker Johannes Janssonius whose rivalry inspired Blaeu to produce a grandiose edition of the largest and most complete atlas to date. Covering Arctica Europe Africa Asia and America Blaeus Atlas Major was a remarkable achievement and remains to this day one of historys finest examples of mapmaking. This reprint is made from the National Library of Viennas complete colored gold-heightened copy thus assuring the best possible detail and quality. The books introduction by the University of Utrechts Peter van der Krogt discusses the historical and cultural context and significance of the atlas; Krogt also provides detailed descriptions of the maps allowing modern readers to fully appreciate Blaeus masterwork.