BRAUN, Georg (1541-1622) and Frans HOGENBERG (fl. 1540-1590). Civitates orbis terrarum. Cologne: Bertram Bochholtz, 1599; 1606.

Braun and Hogenberg's famous city atlas, one of the great cartographical achievements of the 16th century. The first comprehensive atlas of town plans and birds-eye views was "one of the best-selling works in the last quarter of the 16th century. Although the Civitates had no precedent, it immediately answered a great public demand, because social, political and economic life at that time was concentrated in cities" (Koeman II, p. 10). It was produced by editor Georg Braun of Cologne together with Flemish engraver and mapmaker Frans Hogenberg. They relied on existing maps along with maps made after drawings by the Antwerp artist Joris Hoefnagel, and after his death in 1600, his son Jakob. Other contributors included Jacob van Deventer (1505-1575) and over a hundred other artists and engravers.

Five volumes in three, folio (403 x 280mm). 5 hand-colored engraved title pages with illuminated text in gilt; 300 double-page, hand-colored engraved views and maps (only, of 305, browned throughout and with some spotting, the first volume [vols 1-2] with frequent repairs and edge wear including to London view, vol. 2, pl. 24 with a hole in image and long repaired tear, scattered repairs in other vols). Contemporary Dutch vellum with yapp edges and knotwork design dated 1609 on spines, title in central cartouche on each volume (soiled, first vol rebacked, others with repairs and some splitting). Sold as a collection of plates, not subject to return.