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COMPLETE COPY OF THE FIRST EDITION OF THE NUREMBERG CHRONICLE, ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT INCUNABELS AFTER GUTENBERG'S BIBLE AND THE MOST EXTENSIVELY ILLUSTRATED BOOK OF THE 15TH CENTURY WITH 1809 WOODCUTS. AMONG THE ARTISTS IS THE YOUNG ALBRECHT DÜRER. INCLUDING THE EARLY PRINTED DESCRIPTION OF NORWAY AND THE ARCTIC ACCOMPANYING A MAP.
HARTMANN SCHEDEL
"Liber Chronicarum cum figuris et imaginibus ab inicio mundi"
Large folio, 44,5x30,5cm. Contemporary full roll-tooled calf over thick wooden boards and spine in six compartments, with two clasps (rubbing and some scratches as expected, some minor old restorations) NUREMBERG, ANTON KOBERGER JULY 12TH, 1493
1 xylographic title-page (cut until text and re-margined), 1title-page in duplicate loose, 19 unnumbered (register), CCLXVI (266) including three blank, 5 unnumbered "Sarmacia", CCLXVII-CCXCIX (leaves 267-299), (lacking last blank as is often the case). The double-page map of the North bound in before "Sarmacia". First edition published by Anton Koberger in July 1493 six months before a German edition. Anton Koberger was at the time the most important publisher in Germany. He also manufactured bindings for his books, and our copy might well be one of those. The book is regarded as an encyclopedia, a history book mostly seen through a medieval mind from the creation to c. 1492. Today the book is naturally admired for the more than 1800 woodcuts printed from 645 woodblocks and the two maps (the Ptolemaic World map and the map of Scandinavia by Münzer after Cusanus) illustrating the text. Specially valued are all the town views (some examples are München, Lübeck, Köln, Augsburg, Wien, Nürnberg, Salzburg, Ulm, Prag, Basel, Strassbourg and Venice), among many they are the first printed views of the cities depicted. The woodblocks were cut by Michel Wohlgemuth and his stepson William Pleydenwurff (identified in the colophon), but recent scholarship has attributed many of the woodcuts to Pleydenwurff's young disciple (and godson of the printer Anton Koberger) Albrecht Dürer, making this Dürer's first illustrated book. These cuts bear a remarkably strong resemblance to his famous woodcut series "Apocalypse".
The book is of great importance to Scandinavia and specially Norway. In addition to the second printed map of the area, pages CCLXXXII-verso and next leaf-recto have an early description of the three Scandinavian countries. This must be the first printed description of Norway connected with a map and tells about a frozen part of the world.
The title-page restored and re-margined, accompanied by an extra one. Some dampstaining in the register section. A few marginal tears with old repairs including one in lower margin of the world map. Some occasional browning, but in general a clean copy. The map of Scandinavia and the Northern Region is in an unusually good condition.
(Ref: Hain-Copinger 14508, Shirley "The Mapping of the World" entry 19, Ginsberg "Printed Maps of Scandinavia and the Arctic 1482 - 1601" The map of Scandinavia, entry 2) Provenance: Two collector's stamps on the first leaf of register. One is a Royal stamp, the other says: "Dupl. F. Bibl.Reg. Rectom (?)"
#1601

FIRST EDITION - AN ICON AMONG THE ISLAND BOOKS OR "ISOLARIOS". A FINE COPY OF A RARE AND IMPORTANT BOOK AND ATLAS.
BENEDETTO BORDONE (1460 - 1539)
"Libro Di Benedetto Bordone Nel qual si ragiona de tuttle l' Isola del Mondo..."
The complete book, folio, 31,6x22cm Old vellum, title on spine Title-page in red and black, 10 leaves including title, leaves I - LXXIII (including four with printer's mistakes, last leaf blank) VENICE 1 1528
Books of islands or "Isolario" were popular in the fifteenth and sixteenth century Italia. Bordone's island book greatly expanded the subject by adding several maps from all over the world including the important oval world map. Two other important maps in the atlas are found on both sides of folio VI.
On the verso there is a small map previously thought to depict Greenland, but is now characterized as the first printed map intended to show the North America continent, "Terra de Lavatore". The map of Scandinavia recto of the same sheet occupies half the page and is based on the Ptolemy - Donis Ulm 1482 - 86. As we can see Greenland is still connected to Finnmark and Lapland.
The total number of maps in the atlas is six double-page and 108 smaller in the text. Later editions, all printed in Venice are 1534, c. 1540, and 1547.
A fine copy, only some occasional browning only.
(Ref: R. Shirley "The Mapping of the World" Entry 59, P. Burden "The Mapping of North America" Entry 8, W.B. Ginsberg "Printed maps of Scandinavia and the Arctic 1482 - 1601" Entry 7)
#1602

THE RARE AND IMPORTANT FIRST EDITION.
SEBASTIAN MÜNSTER (1489 - 1552)
(Ref: R. Shirley "The Mapping of the World" Entry 59, P. Burden "The Mapping of North America" Entry 8, W.B. Ginsberg "Printed maps of Scandinavia and the Arctic 1482 - 1601" Entry 7)
The complete book/atlas, folio, 31x22cm Modern full calf with gold tooling 28 leaves, 195 pp., 48 double page woodcut maps BASEL 1540
Sebastian Münster is regarded as one of the most influential cartographers and map publishers of the sixteenth century. He had previously studied mathematics, theology, and classical languages. His broad knowledge made it possible for him to make a profoundly revised edition of Ptolemy's "Geographia" in 1540. His work is a corner stone in any important collection of cartographic books. Compared to Ptolemy Münster added 21 new maps including the first collectible map of the Western Hemisphere and the general maps of all the then known continents.
The map of Scandinavia and the Northern Region is cartographically based on J. Ziegler but extends further north to show an Arctic ocean.
The maps in the book have decorative borders verso. They are supposed to have been cut by Hans Holbein.
Light staining and minor repairs to title-page. Several text pages in the beginning with damp staining to outer edge, worming to a few text leaves. A few maps with damp-staining in outer margins and occasional light staining. All in all a very fine copy and the maps are in a strong and clear impression.
Ref: R. Shirley "The Mapping of the World" Entry 77, W.B. Ginsberg "Printed maps of Scandinavia and the Arctic 1482 - 1601" Entry 10, Nasjonalbiblioteket "Kompassrosen Orientering mot nord" Oslo 2009, page 11 ill.)
#1603

THE EARLIEST OBTAINABLE PRINTED ACCOUNT OF RUSSIA. A FINE, ORIGINAL COPY WITH THE LARGE FOLDING MAP BY GIACOMO GASTALDI.
SIGMUND VON HERBERSTEIN (1486 - 1566)
"Commentari della Moscovia et partmente della Russia"
Complete book, 4to, 20,3x14cm Contemporary limp vellum, old title in ink on front cover. A coat-of arms bookplate (lacking the ties) Original hand-coloured woodcut arms on title-page, a folding map and 6 full page woodcuts (8pp, folded woodcut map, 26,5x39cm, 7pp index, "Tavola", 180pp, 4pp illustrations, 2pp text, 2pp illustrations) VENICE 1550
The rare book is published in Italian one year after the (unobtainable) first Latin edition of 1549. The folding map by Gastaldi is larger and far more detailed than that of 1549. Sigmund Herberstein was a diplomat from the Austrian Imperial Court who was sent to Russia twice between 1516 and 1526. He was granted audiences with the highest authorities of Russia who gave him a wealth of information used in the book. His knowledge about Russia at the time would have been far beyond that of any other Westerner. The book also includes a chapter of a voyage from 1496. Gregory Istoma together with "gesandten" David from the King of Denmark, sailed from the White Sea to Trondheim. From Trondheim to Bergen they are supposed to have used Reindeers.
The map with a small, but invisible restored tear. Otherwise a fine, untouched copy.
Provenance: Jesuit College of Saluzzo, inscription on title-page dated 1721 (Ref: E.H. Schiøtz "Utlendingers reiser i Norge" no. 439***)
#1604

JOHANNES MAGNUS
"Gothorum Sveonumque Historia, En Probatis Antiquorum monumentis Collecta, ..."
Complete book, 8vo, 17,2x11cm Contemporary vellum with ink title on spine (lacking the ties) BASEL 1558
Second edition of Johannes Magnus' work dealing with the history of Sweden. A printer's device on the title and some woodcut illustrations. The map on page 17 is a smaller derivate of the folio map from 1554.
Provenance: Old unidentified book plate on inside front cover, and with notes in ink (Ref: W.B. Ginsberg "Printed Maps of Scandinavia and the Arctic 1482 - 1601" Entry 15, illustrated fig. 15.0, Collijn "Sveriges Bibliografi inntill år 1600" part II p. 253 - 55)
#1605

OLAUS MAGNUS (1490 - 1557)
"Storia D' Olao Magno...Settentrionali,..."
Complete book, 8vo, 14,7x9,3cm Modern elegant full calf, blind tooled lines on covers and spine, and the name "Olaus Magnus" on spine Venice 1561
First Italian edition printed in Venice and translated by Remegio Nanni Fiorentino.
(Ref: Collijn "Sveriges Bibliografi inntill år 1600" part II page 290)
#1606

THE FIRST ITALIAN FOLIO EDITION OF THE WORK ABOVE. INCLUDES A FULL PAGE ENGRAVED MAP OF SCANDINAVIA. A RARE, DELICATE COPY FOR A COLLECTOR, IN ITS FIRST BINDING
OLAUS MAGNUS (1490 - 1557)
"Historia Delle Genti Et Della Natura Delli Cose Settrentionali"
Folio, 31,2 x 22 cm Contemporary limp vellum, the spine with handwritten title in ink. Lacking the ties. The complete book with the map and 467 woodcuts in the text. Title page, 12pp preface, 42pp register, one engraved map, 1-286 including the dated colophon. Venice 1565
The copper printed map is unique for this edition and replaced the woodcut map in the 1555 edition. The typographical design and the engraved work are an excellent example of skillful Italian map making and book publishing mid-1500. The 467 woodcut illustrations are basically from the same woodblocks as the 1555 edition.
Some pages lightly water stained. An unusually tall and thick copy in a beautiful binding.
W.B. Ginsberg "Printed Maps of Scandinavia and the Arctic 1482 - 1601" Entry 22
#812

THE FIRST ITALIAN FOLIO-EDITION WITH THE FULL PAGE ENGRAVED MAP OF SCANDINAVIA.
OLAUS MAGNUS (1490 - 1557)
"Historia Delle Genti Et Della Natura Delli Cose Settentrionali"
The complete book with the map and 467 woodcuts in the text. Folio, 30,5x21,5cm. Later half velum, title on spine Title page, 12pp preface, 42pp register, one engraved map, 1-286 including the dated colophon Venice 1565
The copper printed map is unique to this edition and replaced the woodcut map in the 1555 edition. The typographical design and the engraved work are excellent examples of skillful Italian map making and book publishing mid-1500. The 467 woodcut illustrations are basically from the same woodblocks as the first 1555 edition.
No front leaf present. Two stamps on title-page and a small restoration along outer edge. In the beginning a light damp stain not affecting the text and some marginal browning on the last leaves.
(Ref: W.B. Ginsberg "Printed Maps of Scandinavia and the Arctic 1482 - 1601" Entry 22, Isak Colijn "Sveriges Bibliografi Intill År 1600" page 330 - 332, Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum "Voyage Pittoresque - Reiseskildringer fra nord" Tromsø 2005, page 8 - 10, Benedicte Gamborg Briså "Northward Bound At The Far Edge Of The World" Nordkappmuseet 2010, page 17 illustrated)
#1607

THE RARE FIRST GERMAN EDITION WITH THE MAP
OLAUS MAGNUS (1490 - 1557)
"(O)laj Magni historien der mittnächtigen Länder"
Complete book, folio, 32x21cm Later full vellum binding contained in a slip case Title-page, verso OM's coat-of arms, 1 leaf dedication, 6 leaves "Vorrede" (verso blank), 1 leaf "Inhalte", 7 leaves "Erklärung der Tafel, 1 blank, the folded map, 14 leaves register, leaves 1 - 342, printer's mark verso Basel 1567
In 1567 two new folio editions of "Historia" were published and printed in Basel by Heinrich Petri. One is in Latin with 485 woodcut illustrations and the other is the first German edition. The German translation was done by Johann Baptise Fickler. This book was illustrated with 334 woodcuts. Both works were intended to be included with a large folding woodcut map of Scandinavia. This important map signed by the woodcutter, Thomas Weber, is frequently missing. The German version has always been regarded as a scarce book and this is the first time Kunstantikvariat PAMA is presenting it except the copy belonging to the collection "The Exploration of the North" (2009).
The title-page with some spots on the right, one wormhole. A few pages with a light dampstain.
The large folding map is excellent.
(Ref: W.B. Ginsberg "Printed Maps of Scandinavia and the Arctic 1482 - 1601" Entry 23, Collijn page 358 - 363)
#1608

FIRST EDITION ATLAS - A PLAGIARIZED VERSION OF PHILIPPE GALLE.
ORTELIUS - PIETRO MARCHETTI
"Il Theatro Del Mondo Di Abraamo Ortelio"
Complete atlas, 8vo, 19x14cm Old half-vellum, red-covered boards, title on spine Title-page, 3 leaves, 109 maps in text 1 - 215 (page 129/130 bound after 125/126), page 216 has the printer's mark, 11pp index, last page blank. Lacking probably the blank leaf O6 in front of the index BRESCIA 1598
This is a nice example of the several editions of the so-called "Mini - Ortelius editions". Philippe Galle had already in 1577 edited an edition of small maps by Abraham Ortelius. The next one was in 1598 and this was copied by Pietro Marchetti.
The atlas has two world maps and four continent maps. The northern region is represented by the map of Scandinavia and a map of "Tartaria".
Several names in ink on the title-page, four are cancelled. A library label at the bottom of the same page.
Provenance: Bibliothecae Petri Buoninsegni, Senis 1814 (a pasted label on the title-page)
#1614

JOHANNES MAGNUS
"Gothorum sveonumque historia, ex probatis antiquorum monumentis collecta..."
Complete book, 8vo, 17,5x10,5cm Contemporary vellum Nine woodcuts in text including a map on page 17 WITTENBERG 1617
This is the fourth Johannes Magnus edition of the history of Sweden.
Browned throughout.
Provenance: And. Ephr. Stolpe, Uppsala, and Ex Libris Nils Sandberg (Ref: Collijn column 558)
#1609

OLAUS MAGNUS (1490 - 1557)
"Historia De Gentibus Septentrionalius..."
Complete book, 8vo, 16,2x9cm Contemporary vellum, title on spine (faded) FRANKFURT/Main 1618
Latin text edition.
Front paste downs renewed.
#1610

OLAUS MAGNUS (1490 - 1557)
"Historiæ Septentrionalium Gentium Breviarum Libri XXII"
Complete book, 12mo, 12,5x7,2cm Contemporary vellum Extra engraved title, title with printers devise, 6 leaves + 589 + (65) pp LEIDEN 1645
Latin edition printed by Wyngaerde.
A very fine copy.
#1611

EXTREMELY RARE AND IMPORTANT POCKET ATLAS
LANGENES - CLAES JANSZ. VISSCHER - B.WRIGHT
("Tabularum Geographicarum Contractarum")
Atlas book, oblong 8vo, 15x19cm Paperboard binding, exlibris No title-page, 100 engraved maps including two world maps, The maps approximately 8,5x12,5cm AMSTERDAM 1649
This rare and important small book in excellent condition consist of three parts (a, b and e) of eight (a - h) according to a collation of our copy against a copy in the British Library by Ashley Baynton-Williams in Map Forum. The same source writes about the background of the atlas: In 1649 Visscher had come into possession of the original Langenes plates first used in 1598, which were owned by the publisher in Amsterdam Cornelis Claesz. His business successor H. Laurentsz re-printed the atlas in 1609 and 1612, and their whereabouts were uncertain until they again appear in 1649. Important maps for collectors in the atlas are those engraved by the English engraver Benjamin Wright c. 1603.
There are four maps in addition to the two world maps related to Scandinavia and the northern region: Septentrionalium, Nortcaep, Norwegia, Wardhuys. The first map of Norway is in its second and final state according to Ginsberg.
PLEASE NOTE: Still some individual maps in the atlas sometimes can be found elsewhere, most maps in the set are in its unique state. Because the atlas is so rare several of the maps in this state are lacking in many important collections.
A complete collation is available on request.
(Ref: Ashley Baynton-Williams "Barent Langenes: An unrecorded miniature atlas" map Forum, W.B. Ginsberg "Maps and Mapping of Norway 1602 - 1855" Entry 1)
#1617

WITH A WEALTH OF GOLD ILLUMINATION A DELUXE COPY FROM THE LIBRARY OF THOMAS LANGTON "A WORK OF ART-COPY" OF THE ATLAS COVERING SCANDINAVIA, THE NORTHERN EUROPE, RUSSIA AND THE ARCTIC. THE BOOK INCLUDES TWO WORLD MAPS IN TWO DIFFERENT PROJECTIONS.
MOSES PITT
"The English Atlas (Volume I)"
One complete atlas volume, large folio 62,5x40cm. Contemporary English red morocco, ornamental pattern in gold on spine and covers, spine with title: "English Atlas Vol I". Engraved portrait of Charles II, additional engraved title, printed title page in red and black, dedication leaf, 4pp subscription list, description pages to the maps, alphabetical index at the end AND 43 DOUBLE PAGE ENGRAVED MAPS AND 1 DOUBLE PAGE V OXFORD 1680
The English map publisher Moses Pitt's intention was to compete with and to make a similar English atlas project as the Blaeu company's "Atlas Major". However the ambitious work ended with a financial collapse after 1/3 of the expected maps had been published (4 atlas volumes). After two years Moses Pitt was ruined and imprisoned for debt.
This first volume contains no less than two maps of the world: Van Loon's double hemisphere map "Orbis Terrarum nova et accuratissima tabula" and Pieter van den Keere's Mercator projection map "Nova Totius Geographica ac Hydrographica Tabula". Further follow maps of the continent of Europe (signed by Visscher), the Arctic (The North Pole map is unique to the Pitt edition), Scandinavia including the local country maps (among them the newly engraved F. Lamb map of Norway), Russia and Poland. Also unique to the atlas by Pitt is the double-page plate showing scenes of the Sami people in winter and summer with accompanying text. Many of the copperplates used for the Pitt atlas were old Janssonius plates acquired by Pitt through Janssonius' son-in-law Waesberghe. Some copies of the atlas were illuminated in the exclusive colouring of the publisher. Our copy was apparently commissioned by Thomas Langton who wanted a deluxe copy in gold. All maps are ruled in double-red along the margins, this was a peculiar British form of decoration used to improve the impression of the book.
Some maps are laid down on canvas. Only a few maps with some oxidizing cracks caused by the green colour, these imperfections have been professionally restored. The double hemisphere world is lightly rubbed along centerfold. The North Pole has some creases. Some small mended tears on a few maps. All over the maps are clean and in excellent, untouched condition.
Provenance: Thomas Langton Esq. Texton, Northamptonshire. His bookplate and signature on the title-page: "E Libris Tho: Langton". Private Norwegian Collection, acquired ca. 1950 in Oslo (Ref: Shirley "The Mapping of the World" no. 439 and no. 504, W.B. Ginsberg "Maps and Mapping of Norway" 1602 - 1855" Entry 7, Ginsberg "Septentrionalium-An Exhibit 2001" no. 45 - The North Pole Map)
#1620

A FINE, DECORATIVE ATLAS OF THE WORLD BY ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT DUTCH MAP MAKERS LATE 1600.
NICOLAAS I and II VISSCHER
"Atlas Minor Sive totius Orbis Terrarum Contracta Delineata ex conatibus Nicoleum Visscher"
Atlas volume, no text, large folio 53 x 34 cm The publisher's vellum, covers with blind stamped patterns (partly rubbed, rear hinge partly broken but restored) Allegorical title page, no typographical title, and 94 (91 double page and three folded) engraved maps, Amsterdam c.1683
Apparently complete with the 94 maps. Most atlases of this kind by Visscher must be regarded as composite atlases and very few copies are identical. According to "old" Koeman Visscher volume III there is no reference to an atlas with this title consisting of 94 maps. The maps are signed by different map makers like Moses Pitt, Janssonius-Waesberge, F. de Wit (one with 1671 date), Janssonius and Piscatore (Visscher - Fisherman in Latin) and Visscher. All prints delicately coloured by a contemporary hand.
"Old" Koeman volume III pp. 150-184
#851

THE VERY RARE FIRST EDITION. A COMPLETE AND GENUINE COPY IN EXCELLENT CONDITION.
FRANCESCO NEGRI
"Viaggio settentrionale Fatto, e Descritto Dal Molto Rev.do Sig.r D. Francesco Negri Da Ravenna…"
Complete book, 4to, 21,7x16,2cm Contemporary full vellum with handwritten title on spine XXX pp. (first four blank, 1 leaf (imprimatur "Noi Refformatori"), 208 pp., 4 leaves index, 1 engraved portrait of the author and 17 engraved folding plates. PADOVA 1700
Francesco Negri was an Italian clergyman who travelled in Scandinavia in 1664 - 65 and wrote many letters describing the native people of the North. He was also the first after Olaus Magnus to mention skiing. He first travelled through Sweden to Denmark where he met King Fredrik III, and then along the Norwegian coast from Bergen - Trondheim (including a visit to Østraat and Ove Bjelke) - Bjørnør - Næø - Torghatten - Rødø - Malstrømmen. He was the first Italian to reach the North Cape, and in the North Cape Centre there is an exhibition vitrine displaying different scenes from Negri's visit.
This book and travel account was based on his letters, and published by his heirs after his death. The content can be considered a "scientific" document because it is intended to confute some legendary and fabulous statements by Olaus Magnus and give the reader a thorough and detailed description of places, people, human types, customs and habits. To accompany the text the book was illustrated with 17 folded plates (a small tear connected to a fold on two plates) from Lapland. The book stands as an important reference work of the North from the 17th/18th century.
The book is divided in eight letters but useful information was added to the letters after Negri's return to Italy in 1666. Part one covers Lapland, part five, six and seven describe his travels in Norway and the last is devoted to Finnmark and the North Cape.
Francesco Negri's work has always been regarded as a rare book. Excellent, complete copies including the blank leaves and in contemporary vellum are a great rarity. A second edition, also very rare, was published in 1701.
Provenance: Bookplate "Biondella Di Valpantena Verona, 44 eredi Tiepelo della Persia" (Ref: E.H. Schiøtz "Utlendingers reiser I Norge" nr. 723b***, Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum "Voyage pittoresque - Reiseskildringer fra nord" Tromsø 2005, page 12 - 13 illustrated)
#1621

THE PRESENTATION COPY TO KING GUSTAV ADOLPH, FROM THE COLLECTIONS OF BENGT BERNSTRÖM AND LORD WARDINGTON
HERMELIN, F. G. S. (1744 - 1820)
"Geographiske Chartor öfver Swerige med hans maje. Koning Gustav Adolphs allernådigste tilstånd utgifne af S.G. Hermelin. Andra afdelingen. Storfurstendömet Finland"
Atlas, large oblong folio, 62,5x70cm Contemporary red morocco gilt, broad Greek key borders gilt on spines, crowned monogram of Gustav IV Adolph in centre, all corners with three crowns gilt, also spine gilt in compartments Title vignette of Wermasvuori engraved by J.F. Martin and 6 engraved outline coloured map sheets by Fr. Akrel after C.P. Hällström. STOCKHOLM 1799
A MAGNIFICENT ROYAL DEDICATION COPY OF A RARE ATLAS OF FINLAND.
The maps were intended to form part of a larger work designed to cover all of the Swedish territories, but the project failed. The most impressive red binding is probably by Johan Henrik Hessler who was a master bookbinder in Stockholm 1771 - 1805.
Provenance: The Swedish book collector Bengt Bernström 1970's, Lord Wardington.
#748

OLAUS MAGNUS (1490 - 1557)
"Tooneel Der Noordsche Landen"
Complete book, 8vo, 15x9,2cm Contemporary vellum AMSTERDAM 1652
An important Dutch edition with four maps (The North Pole, North Cape, Northern Europe, and Gothia). A discrete ownership signature dated 1811 on title.
A fine copy.
(Ref: See W.B. Ginsberg "Printed Maps of Scandinavia and the Arctic 1482 - 1601" Entry 43 - 45)
#1612

A HIGHLY INTERESTING PAIR OF A SCANDINAVIAN CARTOGRAPHIC CURIOSITY. COMPLETE AND IN GOOD CONDITION.
T. V. MENTZER - P. A. HULDBERG (The publisher)
"Den Lilla Geografen Lärorik Sysselsätning för Ungdom - Sverige och Norge" + "Politisk Geografisk Karta öfver Europa till Skolornes bruk af T. v. Mentzer"
31,5x44,5x2,5cm and 50x50x3cm 2 wooden puzzles contained in wooden boxes, both with lithographed titles pasted on the lids. Stockholm c.1863
The Europe puzzle is dated 1863 and inscribed "Fjerde opplagen". The Swedish cartographer Von Mentzer worked in Stockholm from c. 1855. We have neither seen any records of these works in his biography nor seen any other copies for sale.
The lithographed titles age toned or partly browned and with a few paper damages. Some of the puzzle pieces in the Europe set slightly bent.
#1354

ADOLPH ERIK NORDENSKÖLD (1832 - 1901)
"Periplus - Utkast Till Sjökortenes och Sjöböckernas Äldsta Historia"
The complete book, large folio, 50,5x36cm The original calf binding, title in gilt with a T-O map and date 1897 on front cover and title on spine (some light rubbing) Stockholm 1897
A very fine copy of the first edition of Nordensköld's "Periplus", the important reference work dealing with marine cartography, early world maps and regional maps and charts. There are sixty reproductions and the index is comprehensive. Nordensköld, a Finnish baron and Arctic explorer built up the largest collection of rare maps and atlases in Scandinavia. This treasure of a collection is today kept in The National Library of Finland, Helsinki.
#1356

SIGNED COPY TO BRITAIN'S FOREIGN SECRETARY SIR EDWARD GREY
FRIDTJOF NANSEN
"In Northern Mists: Arctic Exploration in Early Times. Translated by Arthur G. Chater."
The complete book in two volumes, large 8vo, 22,7x19,5cm Original grey-blue cloth, spines lettered in gilt, front covers with illustration and lettering in gilt (light rubbing, heads and tails of the spines crumpled. Free end papers browned) Half-titles printed in blue, titles in blue and black, tipped-i LONDON 1911
Signed and inscribed by the author on the half-title:
"To Sir Edward Grey with kindest regards, from the author, London November 3rd 1911"
First edition in English, published in the same year as the Norwegian first edition "Nord i Taakeheimen". This is one of Nansen's most important books dealing with the historical view of the opening of the Arctic from classical antiquity to Cabot and the Portuguese discoveries in the north-west, including an account of the Viking discovery of America.
Sir Edward Grey was Britain's foreign secretary from 1905 to 1916, and Nansen would certainly have met Grey when he was in London as Norway's first post-independent ambassador to the court of St James from 1906 - 08.
A very fine set.
#1741

The indispensible reference book on Norway maps
GINSBERG, WILLIAM B.
Maps and Mapping of Norway 1602 - 1855.
4to. Hard cover, full shirting, dust wrapper. xiv + 317 pp. Septentrionallium Press, New York, N.Y. 2009
The author, William B. Ginsberg, has undertaken a significant amount of original reserach, during which he has discovered a number of new maps and variant states that are recorded for the first time. In addition to the formal cartobibliography, three essays - on county, route and local maps - explore the richness of maps of Norway!
With 328 pages and more than 300 illustrations the book is a treat for the eye as well as for the mind.
#499

A SET OF THREE OF AMUNDSEN'S BOOKS MAKING AN IMPORTANT ASSOCIATION RECORD OF HIS ATTEMPTS TO REACH THE NORTH POLE INCLUDING TWO PIECES OF THE "NORGE" BALLOON PASTED IN FROM THE COLLECTION OF ROALD'S NEPHEW GUSTAV S. AMUNDSEN
ROALD AMUNDSEN (1872-1928)
"Gjennem Luften til 88° Nord. Amundsen-Ellsworths Polflyvning 1925." Gyldendal Norsk Forlag, Oslo 1925
8vo, 22,5x15cm. Original buff cloth, title gilt to the spine with aeroplane, polar bear and stars, and to the upper board in brown with aeroplane and stars, buff endpapers. 64 plates, maps to the text.
First Norwegian edition, published in English in the same year as "Our Polar Flight". This copy inscribed by Amundsen to his nephew Gustav, "Goggen", and his wife on the second blank "Aslaug & Goggen fra onkel Roald." Gustav's ownership inscription to the half-title. Account of Amundsen and Ellsworth's attempt on the North Pole in two Dornier Wal flying boats, N24 and N25.

PASTED IN PIECES OF THE AIRSHIP 'NORGE'
Spine a little tanned, light toning, else very good.
#1742