THE KLENCKE ATLAS - WORLD’S LARGEST ATLAS (1660-2012)

The Klencke Atlas, first published in 1660, is one of the world’s largest atlases. It is 5”9: tall by 6”3” wide when open. The atlas is so heavy that it takes 6 people to carry it. The Klencke Atlas is a singular work, no other copies were created. It is a world atlas made up of 41 copperplate wall maps that remain in exceptionally good condition. The maps are the continents and assorted European states. It was created by Dutch Prince John Maurice of Nassau and was presented to King Charles II of England in 1660 to mark the occasion of his restoration to the throne. Up until 2012, the Klencke Atlas was widely regarded as the world’s largest atlas, a record it probably held since the atlas was created 350 years earlier.

The Klencke Atlas on Display at the British Library