Theatrum urbium Belgicae foederatae Toonneel der Steden van de Vereenighde Nederlanden met hare Beschrijvingen. A magnificent copy of the second Latin edition of the first volume of Joan Blaeu’s City Atlas of the Netherlands. Published in 1652. 7 Typographical dedication sheets, 34 text sheets. With a fine contemporary hand-coloured and gold-heightened copper title, some coloured woodcut initials, text woodcuts, and text coppers as well as 134 (113 double-page) coloured copper plates with 180 (mostly double-page, but also half-page and within text), city views, bird’s eye view plans, and fortifications. Contemporary Dutch red morocco leather with ribbed back, covers with arabesque centrepieces and corners within a double rule, richly decorated with gilt, all edges gilt, and nicely gauffered. H. 53.5 x L. 36.5 x W. 73 cm Provenance: - Major Ashburner Library, Florence - Private collection, the Netherlands Literature: - Van der Krogt, Vol. IV/1, Atlantes Neerlandici, HES & De Graaf Publishers, 't Goy-Houten, 1887, 43:112.1, pp. 297-301; 345-364. - I. C. Koeman, Joan Blaeu and his Grand Atlas, Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, Amsterdam 1970. Note: On the title page a stamp ex libris from Walter Ashburner (1864-1936), referring to the Ashburner Library in Florence. Ashburner had a great love of Italy and Italian culture and in 1903 he retired and moved to Florence where he was one of those instrumental in the establishment of the British Institute of Florence in 1917. He had a great love of books, particularly early printed works, and built an important collection, which, following his death, was sold by Hoepli in Lucerne in 1938. Please note: condition reports and additional photos are available upon request. For more information: info@aagauctioneers.com