[Set of World & Four Continents from the 'Atlas Major']

A fine set of five maps from the most expensive book published in the 17th century, an eleven-volume atlas containing 593 hand-coloured maps. The highly decorative borders have allegorical figures of the known planets along the top, lateral borders of the Four Elements and the Four Seasons, and the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World along the bottom. Each of the continents has lateral borders of native dress and nine city prospects along the top.