Beschreibung:

BLAEU, Johannes (1596-1673). Theatrum Civitatum et Admirandorum Italiae . Amsterdam: Johannes Blaeu, 1663.
BLAEU, Johannes (1596-1673). Theatrum Civitatum et Admirandorum Italiae . Amsterdam: Johannes Blaeu, 1663. 2 volumes, 2° (550 x 350mm). Text in Latin, mounted on guards throughout, general title-pages in Van der Krogt's variants 1C and 2A, part-titles, privilege leaf as found in variant B and C of vol. I only, engraved additional titles, 125 engraved plates of views, plans and monuments, comprising: 8 folding double-page plates, 70 double-page plates, 6 plates on a double-page, 6 plates on one page, 27 single page plates and 8 illustrations in the text, mounted on guards throughout, plate 11 Bononia complete with the folding extension. (Folding plate of Frascati with a repaired tear, small tear to centre of first folding plate of the obeliscus in vol. II, occasional light browning.) Original contemporary vellum, panelled in gilt, gilt edges (lacking ties, small hole to spine of vol. II, extremities very lightly rubbed). FIRST EDITION. A VERY FINE COPY IN ITS ORIGINAL BINDING OF BLAEU'S CELEBRATED BOOKS OF TOWNS AND MONUMENTS OF ITALY. This is the original Latin edition, with volume I as Van der Krogt's variant C (no priority assigned) containing 6 extra plates. The second volume is devoted to Ancient Rome, with splendid views of circuses, theatres and amphitheatres. A large portion of this latter volume dealing with Egyptian obelisks is based on the works of Athanasius Kircher (1602-1680). VERY RARE: 'About 75 copies (single volumes included) are known'. Sold without the final third volume relating to Naples and Sicily that was issued in a preliminary edition only. Van der Krogt 43:211.1L and 43:211.2L. (2)