The definitions often fail to describe Joan Blau's Atlas Maior - yet, it stands as one of the most outrageous achievements in the history of cartography. The original Latin edition, completed in 1665, was the largest and most expensive book published in the 17th century. The 594 maps featured in 11 volumes extended across the Arctic, Africa, Asia, Europe, and America. Ambitious in scale and artistry, it has been included in the Regulation of Dutch History, an official study of 50 individuals, creations, or events that chart the most significant historical developments in the Netherlands. TASCHEN's careful reissue brings this luxurious baroque wonder into the hands of contemporary readers. In an age of digitized cartography and global connectivity, it celebrates the uninterrupted beauty of quality printing and restores the marvelous era of discoveries, where Blau's birthplace, Amsterdam, was a hub of international trade and exploration. This edition is based on the comprehensive color and gold copy of the Atlas Maior from the National Library of Austria, ensuring the best detail and quality. Peter van der Krogt from the University of Amsterdam introduces the historical and cultural significance of the atlas by providing detailed descriptions of the individual maps, revealing the full scope and ambitious design of Blau’s masterpiece.