79/2552 [Atlases]. Blaeu, J. Toonneel der steden van de Vereenighde Nederlanden, Met hare Beschrijvingen./ Toonneel der steden van 's Konings Nederlanden. N.pl., J. Blaeu, n.d. (Amst., 1649), 2 vols., (12)p., engr. title and 204 double-p. plates w. maps, plans and bird's eye views, 19 single-p. plates w. maps/ plans and bird's eye views, most plates w. letterpress text on verso, contemp. unif. gilt panelled overlapping vellum w. gilt central ornament on both covers, a.e.g., folio.

- Fine large complete copies (57x37,5 cm. (binding)) of Blaeu's two townbooks of the Low Countries, nowadays rarely on the market, with very wide margins (55x35,4 cm. (leaf) and in attractive uniform contemporary bindings. Condition: fine/ very fine, w. the following unobtrusive points: both vols. w. all leaves on new stubs; several leaves (mostly the first (incl. title-p.) and final few leaves) unobtrusively and professionally strengthened w. japanese on small parts of extremities of blank margins (first free endpaper and title-p. of vol. 2 w. sl. dam. in lower blank margin); 5 leaves chipped in blank margin; occas. sl. duststained/ browned in blank margins; vol.1 a few leaves sl. dampstained in blank outer margin; ±50 leaves w. sm. receding waterstain in upper outer blank corner; vol.2: two maps trifle foxed in image (Everghem/ Vinderhaute and Blanckenberg). Bindings lack ties and have some small "old age" spots, but are otherwise in fine condition.

= Koeman Bl 68B and Bl 69B: "This first volume is a slightly improved version of the preceding edition (...)" and "This second volume also shows some minor amendments, compared with the former edition of the 'Stedenboek'." A monument of Dutch cartography, the "Townbooks" of Blaeu show the Netherlands and present day Belgium in their full splendour, depicting in the plates both the fortifications of the towns and cities as well as the conglomerates of their buildings in detailed plans. SEE ILLUSTRATIONS PLATE XCVII.