Theatrum Scotiae.

£6,500 · Offered by Shapero Rare Books · No longer available

First published in 1693,Slezer's book was the earliest series of town prospects to be published in Britain. John Slezer, a German military engineer, came to Scotland in 1669, becoming a Captain of Artillery by 1688. For this work he employed several artists: the Dutch painter and engraver Johannes van den Aveele was responsible for several plates and others included Jan Wyck, who added the figures, and the London engraver Robert White. The plates remained the standard views of Scottish towns for over a century and include Glasgow, Sterling and Aberdeen. One of two editions published in 1718. The present edition has 12pp, the other 43pp. of letterpress. The number of plates varies from copy to copy, Lowndes calls for 58 plates in this edition, plus the panorama, though 59 is the more usual number. This copy has 60 plates plus panorama. Folio (35.7 x 25.7 cm). 12pp letterpress, title printed in red and black with engraved armorial within double-ruled border, large folding panorama of Edinburgh (with repaired tear), 60 double-page engraved plates, some plates re-margined at both top and bottom, some with splits at fold, several plates with browning; rebacked preserving most of the contemporary panelled calf. Lowndes VI, 2413.

• Binding: Hardcover

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