Theatrum Orbis Terrarum. [Antwerp], [Christophe Plantin], [1579]. In-folio of [10] including engraved title and beautiful portrait of Ortelius engraved on verso of f. B4, 93 double-page engraved maps with printed text on recto, 77-[9] pp. ""Nomenclator Ptolemaicus; omnia locorum vocabula quae in tota Ptolemaei Geographia occurrunt..." Antwerp, Plantin, 1579. Sow skin on wood stamps with cold rolled decoration, gilt metal clasps (period binding). Covers and corners worn with significant loss at tail, numerous wormholes on first board (a few on second board). Wormholes on the first few leaves up to map 19 and on the last maps and the last part. Large tear without missing on f. A2. Tear in the lower margin of map 11 reaching a little into the engraving, tears in the lower margin of map 30 reaching a little into the engraving. Cut without missing at the fold of map 31. Tears in the lower margin of card 41 reaching a little bit the engraving. Small tear with lack at the fold of card 57. A few small holes or wormholes in places (mainly in the margins). Handwritten note from the 18th c. under map 82 about the Russian Empire. Large tear without missing at map 91 touching the engraving, long handwritten note on verso of map 91 (Voyages of Saint Paul).
Handwritten ex-libris of Joseph Giroulet, Brignet?, ex-libris stamped on the title engraving by E. Caroillon, curé.
First edition of this atlas by Plantin, the first containing the Parergon and the Nomenclator Ptolemaicus. Ortelius attributed a great importance to this supplement of the Theatrum Orbis Terrarum that is the Parergon, of which the first 3 maps were published in supplement to this edition of 1579. Drawing on his deep curiosity for classical antiquity as well as his well-known knowledge of the history and geography of the region, Ortelius drew each of his maps by hand, devoting a great deal of time and attention to detail. The Parergon is considered the first historical atlas.
Over time, successive editions of the Theatrum were supplemented with additional Parergon maps, and a total of 55 plates are known. The Parergon was also published as a separate atlas from the Theatrum on two occasions, in 1595 and 1624.
Apart from wormholes and some wear and tear on the binding, a fine and complete copy in a contemporary binding.
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