Klencke Atlas - Joan Blaeu - 1660
Text from David Rumsey: "The Klencke Atlas resides at the British Library and we are grateful to them for providing scanned images of the atlas and complete catalog metadata as part of a joint project to scan and catalog the maps and atlases from the low countries of Europe that are part of the King George III Topographical Collections. The Klencke Atlas is one of the world's biggest: it measures 176 x 231 cm when open.It takes its name from Joannes Klencke, who presented it to Charles II on his restoration to the British thrones in 1660. Its size and its 40 or so large wall maps from the Golden Age of Dutch mapmaking were supposed to suggest that it contained all the knowledge in the world.At another level, it was a bribe intended to spur the King into granting Klencke and his associates trading privileges and titles.Charles, who was a map enthusiast, appreciated the gift. He placed the atlas with his most precious possessions in his cabinet of curiosities, and Klencke was knighted.Later generations have benefited too. The binding has protected the wall maps which have survived for us to enjoy - unlike the vast majority of other wall maps which, exposed to light, heat and dirt when hung on walls, have crumbled away.Titled 'Orbis Terræ Compendium, Carolo Secundo dedicatum a I. Kliencke. i.e. a Collection of Maps by Blaeu, Hondius, Visscher, &c. One Volume 5 feet 10 inches by 3 feet 2 inches." https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/massive-...
