Epitome Theatri Orteliani.

Small obl. 8vo: [16]-110-[4-1 bl.]-[2]-13-[1 bl.-1] pp. (tear along the platemark on Q3).

Contemp. overl. vellum, flat spine. Very nice copy.

Latin pocket-size atlas of Ortelius' "Theatrum Orbis Terrarum" for the international market intended as a cheaper option for travellers and students. After the 1st ed. of the "Epitome" in 1588, Philips Galle whose "Speculum Orbis Terrarum" had not been very successful due to its inelegant engraving, gradually started replacing the copperplates. With only 10 old maps left, the majority of the maps in the improved 1601 edition belong to this series of newly engraved maps. After the death of Cornelis de Jode (1568-1600), Vrients bought the copperplates. Ill. with a small globe on title, the engr. allegorical arms of Albert and Isabella, the governors of the Spanish Netherlands, on verso of title and 126 maps by Galle (3 unnumb. and 123 numb.) including 2 globes (terrestrial and celestial), "Scenographia Totius Fabricae", 1 world map, 4 maps of continents and 118 of countries and regions, incl. China, India, Japan, Iceland, etc.
Ref. Koeman's Atlantes Neerlandici III.76, Ort. 58. - Van der Krogt IIIA [332:13].
Prov. Armorial bookpl. - Convent. Barro Ducae (Bar-le-Duc), Carm. (ms. ownership entry on title). - Short note on front flyleaf.