(On spine:) Dell’Hercole e Studio Geografico Di Gio Battista Nicolosi Dottore Di Sacra Teologia Volume Secondo.

Folio, Folio. Dedication, title, “Avvertimento” 14 folio mapsheets with original outline color. Original gold-tooled morocco binding in fine condition; repaired worming and mends to centerfold; very good.

An atlas of wall maps in an Italian binding of uncommon elegance created for Prince Giambattista Borghese, whose armorial bookplate is on the inside of the front cover. Giambattista Borghese (1639-1717), of the powerful Sienese/ Roman family, was a notable patron of the arts. He purchased the family home that now houses one of the great art collections in Italy. The binding was made by the Andreoli Bindery, which in addition to their extensive work for the Borghese family also produced bindings for Popes Alexander VII and Clement IX as well as for royalty, including Queen Christina of Sweden. The crimson morocco binding has remarkably delicate, lace-like, gold-tooled designs framing the Borghese arms.

This volume contains a world map in two sheets, and 4-sheet continental maps of Europe, Asia and Africa respectively. The maps of North America (4 sheets) and South America (4 sheets) are lacking.