68 - Zatta, Antonio. *Atlante novissimo*. Venice: Zatta, 1779–85. A fine copy of the first edition

Zatta, Antonio. *Atlante novissimo*. Venice: Zatta, 1779–85. A fine copy of the first edition Zatta, Antonio. *Atlante novissimo*. Venice: Zatta, 1779–85. 4 volumes in one oblong folio volume (360 x 470 mm); [8], XVI, 50; [2]; [2]; [2] pages. Double-page allegorical frontispiece depicting the personification of Venice surrounded by cherubs, 3 title pages with the title within a copper-engraved border, large header featuring the coat of arms of Carlo Spinola, to whom the work is dedicated, 220 copper-engraved plates with contemporary coloring, hand-numbered on the reverse of the plates (the title page of the first volume is missing; traces of central folds, some of which have small tears; sporadic stains; a few plates are slightly trimmed.) 20th-century binding in half-leather and marbled paper, spine with four raised bands and title in gold (upper joint restored). One of the most important Italian publishing projects of the 18th century, the *Atlante novissimo* comprises three volumes dedicated to Europe, including Russia, and a fourth volume devoted to the rest of the world. The engravings were executed by Antonio Zuliani after drawings by Francesco Pitteri; of particular cartographic interest are the twelve maps dedicated to the United Colonies of North America, derived from John Mitchell’s surveys, as well as the updated plates relating to the South Seas, based on the voyages of James Cook, and New Zealand. A work of great significance both for the history of cartography and for the dissemination of Enlightenment-era geographical knowledge, the atlas represents a synthesis of scientific accuracy and engraving sophistication. A beautiful copy of the first edition