Theatrum Terrae Sanctae, by Christian van Adrichom – Twelve Engravings – Maps of Palestine

Theatrum Terrae Sanctae, by Christian van Adrichom – Twelve Engravings – Maps of Palestine
Theatrum Terrae Sanctae et Biblicarum Historiarum, by Christian van Adrichom. 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 many cartographers.
The book contains twelve engraved plates: nine maps of the territories of the Tribes of Israel, a map of the Desert of Paran 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 all Palestine (after which cartographers such as Thomas Fuller, Jan Jannson and Nicholas Visscher modeled their maps).
All twelve engraved plates in this copy are detached. The map of Jerusalem was taken from another edition of the book (dated 1682). Possibly, some of the other maps were also taken from other editions.
[6] leaves, 286 pp, [15] leaves + [12] engraved plates, approx. 39 cm. Good-fair condition (maps mostly in good condition). Stains. Several browned leaves. Creases. Small closed tears along the edges and small open tears to several leaves and maps. Signature to title page. Plates, binding and some leaves completely or partly detached. Vellum binding, slightly worn and damaged.