Theatrum Terrae Sanctae et Biblicarum Historiarum, by Christian van Adrichem. Köln: Birckmannica, 1593 (imprint from colophon). Latin. Second edition.
The influential work of Catholic priest Christian van Adrichom (1533-1585), considered one of the most important works on the geography of Palestine in the Modern Era. The book, compiled over close to thirty years, was published posthumously, and for the following two hundred years served as the basis for maps by numerous cartographers.
The book contains twelve engraved plates: nine maps of the territories of the Tribes of Israel, a map of the Desert of Paran (showing the stations of the Israelites on their journey from Egypt to Palestine) and two larger maps (folding) of particular significance – a map of Jerusalem (showing the gates and the central sites; the first map to depict the 14 stations of the Via Dolorosa), and a map of Palestine (after which famous cartographers such as Thomas Fuller, Jan Jannson and Nicholas Visscher modeled their maps).
[6] leaves, 286, [29] pp + [12] engraved maps, 39.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, including dampstains. Creases. Tears, some open, to margins, affecting the title page engraving (mostly small). Worming throughout the book (mostly small wormholes, with negligible damage to the engravings. The book was fumigated). One plate trimmed at margins, with minor damage to engraving. The map of Jerusalem is in fair-poor condition, with a long, inexpertly restored tear, with adhesion to layers in one fold due to restoration. Two plates slightly browned and smaller than the leaves of the book. Handwritten notations to several pages. Vellum-covered boards, damaged and worn.