Cities of the Renaissance: World Maps from Civitates Orbis Terrarum

A beautifully illustrated exploration of the legendary Civitates Orbis Terrarum, the monumental city atlas first published in Cologne in 1572. Edited by Georg Braun and largely engraved by the master cartographer Franz Hogenberg, the original work eventually contained 546 prospects, bird's eye views, and maps of cities from across the known world. This volume presents a curated selection of 53 maps depicting 65 cities, spanning from Cuzco in the Americas to Calcutta in the Indies. Each map is accompanied by expert interpretation and commentary by Michael Swift and Angus Konstam, explaining what can be observed in the 16th-century depictions and how these cities have transformed to the present day. A superb resource for historians, cartography enthusiasts, and anyone interested in Renaissance geography and urban development. The hardcover binding is in very good condition, making this an excellent addition to any collection of historical maps and atlases.