Imagined Corners : Exploring the World's First Atlas

Binding, Paul

ISBN 10: 0747230404 / ISBN 13: 9780747230403

Published by Review / Headline Book Publishing (2003), London, 2003

About this Item

No signatures. Dust-jacket protected in archival mylar cover.; [6], 314 pages. Blue boards with gilt lettering on spine. Page dimensions: 246 x 183mm. Numerous illustrations, including many in colour. "The 'Theatrum orbis terrarum' was a watershed publication; it changed lives and altered perceptions for ever. Published in Antwerp in 1570, it did something no previous book had done: here was the world in all its component parts, the chance to see our planet as a place of staggering variety and ultimate unity. It was the world's first ever atlas. Brainchild of Abraham Ortelius, the 'Theatrum' reflected the great vitality of the era, the prevailing zest for exploration and discovery, and the linked activities of international commerce and map-making. In his native city of Antwerp, then the world's liveliest port, Ortelius was member of a circle of extraordinary men including the age's most eminent printer, Chrisophe Plantin, and greatest geographer, Gerard Mercator. His warm, compelling personality meant that his momentous work was born of friendship and collaboration, at a time when the Low Countries were struggling under the brutal yoke of Hapsburg Spain." - from dust-jacket blurb.

Seller Inventory # 24494

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Imagined Corners : Exploring the World's First Atlas
• Publisher: Review / Headline Book Publishing (2003), London
• Publication Date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0747230404
• ISBN 13: 9780747230403
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: First Edition.
• Condition: Near Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine

About this title

Synopsis

Published in Antwerp in 1570, the "Theatrum Orbis Terrarum" did something no previous book had done: here was the world in all its component parts, the chance to see out planet as a place of staggering variety and ultimate unity. The world's first-ever atlas was the brain-child of Abraham Ortelius; it reflected the great vitality of the era, the prevailing zest for exploration and discovery and the linked activities of commerce and map-making. It was a work born of collaborative friendships: Ortelius' circle included two key figures of the age - printer Christophe Plantin and geographer Gerard Mercator. and brings vividly to life the Antwerp that produced Ortelius and his momentous work.

About the Author

Paul Binding is a novelist, critic, poet and cultural historian. He studied English Literature at Oxford University and is Senior Associate Member of St Antony's College, Oxford. He reviews regularly, especially for the Independent on Sunday and Times Literary Supplement.