Author:   Ortelius, Abraham   Date:   1570
Title:   Typus Orbis Terrarum   BIB:   10, 13
This world map, embodying the extent of sixteenth century scientific, geographic knowledge, was included in the first edition of Dutch cartographer Abraham Ortelius' pivotal Theatrum Orbis Terrarum. A compilation of seventy copper engravings on fifty-three double-folio pages, the Theatrum Orbis Terrarum has the distinction of being the first significant modern atlas. It contained the most current maps of the world and of individual countries at the time, and it was renowned for its accuracy and detail. In the atlas, Ortelius used not only his own maps, but also those of other cartographers to whom he attributed authorship. Therefore, the atlas can also be viewed as a "Who's Who" of sixteenth century cartography. Unprecedented in its encyclopedic descriptions of the world, the atlas was reprinted, revised and enlarged during the next several decades even after Ortelius' death. A total of forty-eight folio editions were published from 1570 to 1624, including translations from Dutch into Latin, German, Spanish, French, Italian, and English.

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