Martin Behaim - His Life and His Globe. With a Facsimile of the Globe Printed in Colours - Eleven Maps and Seventeen Illustrations by Ravenstein, E.G., F.R.G.S., "First Victoria Gold Medallist of the Royal Geographical Society - 1908

London: George Philip & Son, Ltd, 1908. Hardcover. viii, 122p., maps as called for, modern line maps in colors, supplemented with numerous b&w vignettes and full-page images, reproduced well. Gargantuan hardbound, 15.5x12.5 inch blotter-papered boards over a titled linen backstrip, top edge gilded; rear cover is massive, built to make a pocket that accomodates four global sections: each is printed in several colors plus metallic silver, on extra-heavy paperstock, then folded into quarters measuring 15x12 inches. There is a key diagram (follows index) showing how the four huge mercator-style pieces fit together. We have gingerly peeked and see only one instance of damage, i.e. heavy toning to one-half of one exposed quarter; no tears, no partings, no soil nor any markings. Regarding the "book" format of our atlas, the linen backstrip is browned from handling, dust and age, and there is a little fray at the tail rim. Item has been protected all these years by a slipcase that continues to accomodate but is very ugly through abrasion and amateur repair, and it has lost its rear panel (exposing ragged edges). Score: maps in perfect shape; book itself good (good-only); and slipcase a not-quite dead loss.