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First edition thus, a fine copy in a contemporary pigskin binding of "the most important of all the Ptolemy editions; its supplement of 'new' maps marked the beginning of modern map-making. The new maps, based on contemporary observations, were published alongside the long-authoritative Ptolemaic models whose deficiencies were clearly recognized" (Streeter 1.6). The atlas comprises 27 Ptolemaic maps after the 1482 Ulm Ptolemy, supplemented by 20 modern maps based on recent discoveries labelled either "Nova" or "Moderna et Nova". For comprehensiveness and the geographical accuracy of its contents, especially for the dissemination of the most recent and epochal transatlantic discoveries, this was the most important atlas of the 16th century until the publication of Ortelius (1570). The atlas is a major Americanum as it contains the first appearance of the map of the world known as "the Admiral's map", from a cartographic source variously believed to be Columbus or, rather less probably, Vespucci. This the first map of America to appear in an atlas, preceded in print only by the map that should accompany the 1511 Peter Martyr, of which Burden could only locate ten copies worldwide. Two other maps are also of American interest: "Tabula Terre Nova", one of the earliest printed maps devoted entirely to the New World; and "Tabula Moderna Norbegie et Gottie", which shows "Engronelandt" and "Engronelad". Among other notable features of the atlas, the map of Lorraine is First edition thus, a fine copy in a contemporary pigskin binding of "the most important of all the Ptolemy editions; its supplement of 'new' maps marked the beginning of modern map-making. The new maps, based on contemporary observations, were published alongside the long-authoritative Ptolemaic models whose deficiencies were clearly recognized" (Streeter 1.6). The atlas comprises 27 Ptolemaic maps after the 1482 Ulm Ptolemy, supplemented by 20 modern maps based on recent discoveries labelled either "Nova" or "Moderna et Nova". For comprehensiveness and the geographical accuracy of its contents, especially for the dissemination of the most recent and epochal transatlantic discoveries, this was the most important atlas of the 16th century until the publication of Ortelius (1570). The atlas is a major Americanum as it contains the first appearance of the map of the world known as "the Admiral's map", from a cartographic source variously believed to be Columbus or, rather less probably, Vespucci. This the first map of America to appear in an atlas, preceded in print only by the map that should accompany the 1511 Peter Martyr, of which Burden could only locate ten copies worldwide. Two other maps are also of American interest: "Tabula Terre Nova", one of the earliest printed maps devoted entirely to the New World; and "Tabula Moderna Norbegie et Gottie", which shows "Engronelandt" and "Engronelad". Among other notable features of the atlas, the map of Lorraine is the earliest attempt at colour printing on a map and that of Switzerland is the first printed map of that nation. Although his name appears nowhere within, the principal responsibility for the drawing of the maps lies with Martin Waldseemüller, "probably the most important cartographer of the early 16th century" (Karrow), working with Matthias Ringmann. Waldseemüller was the centre of a group of geographers who, notwithstanding their comparative isolation in the middle of the Vosges, kept abreast of the most recent geographical explorations of the Spanish and the Portuguese and other geographical evidence housed in the libraries of Basel and Strasbourg. His Cosmographiae introductio (1507) is regarded as the book which "named" America. A condensed sketch of the present work's somewhat complicated publishing history can be found in Karrow, itself a summary of Skelton's introduction to the 1966 facsimile edition. It is notably unusual to find the 1513 Ptolemy in a contemporary binding and in fine internal condition: atlases typically saw heavy use when employed as works of reference and their condition usually reflects this. Early atlases were identified as collectibles as early as the 18th century and were frequently rebound. A copy as issued in the 16th century, in a contemporary binding of pigskin over boards – most likely the original binding judging from the size of the copy and the vellum tabs which secure the maps – is now highly uncommon and correspondingly desirable. READ MORE Folio (455 x 300 mm): A2 B-L6 M4 N6 π1 (index to modern maps) a6 b4 c6; 181 leaves in total, complete with terminal blank c6; 26 double-page maps, 1 single page map; 19 double-page maps, 1 single page (Lorraine) printed in three colours. Contemporary blind-stamped pigskin over bevelled wooden boards, raised bands on spine, with original catches and clasps intact. Old shelf-label on spine. Collates: A2, B-L6, M4, N6; 26 double-page maps, 1 single page map; 19 double-page maps, 1 single page (Lorraine) printed in three colours; π1 (index to modern maps), a6, b4, c6 (including terminal blank); 181 leaves in total, complete. Binding rubbed in places and wormed; scattered minor worming internally, mostly marginal, some of it plugged, but sometimes affecting partial letter of text, not affecting maps; even toning and minor staining (marginal) to scattered leaves. Some discoloration from humidity in upper margin of a few leaves. Generally an unusually broad-margined and fresh copy, most likely in its original binding (maps secured by vellum tabs), with the woodcut maps in excellent strikes. Harrisse BAV 74; Shirley, World Encompassed 56; Nordenskiold p. 19, plates 35 & 36; Streeter 1.6. Karrow, Mapmakers of the Sixteenth Century and their Maps, pp. 577-78; R. A. Skelton, "Introduction to Claudius Ptolemaeus Geographia Strasburg 1513", Theatr