A fine example of Ortelius's miniature atlas. "The "pocket edition" of Ortelius's 'Theatrum Orbis Terrarum' was the first response to the demand for cheaper atlases" (van der Krogt).

The first pocket-sized version of Ortelius's 'Theatrum' was published in 1577, by Peter Heyns, with maps engraved by Filips Galle. Initially, and romantically, titled 'Spieghel der Werelt', or 'Mirror of the World', it was later renamed 'Epitome' in 1588. The work consisted of 73 maps, and had an accompanying rhyming vernacular text. The work proved hugely popular and a following twelve editions in Dutch, French, English, and Latin, were published by Galle between 1578 and 1601.

Vrients acquired the rights to Galle's atlas in 1602, published this atlas, and a further edition of the atlas in 1609.

The mapmaker
Abraham Ortelius (1527-1598) took an active interest in cartography from an early age. He began his career as a "kaarten afzetter" (illuminator of maps) purchasing single (generally wall) maps from booksellers and colouring them for re-sale. He travelled extensively in his search for new material and was a well-known face at the Frankfurt bookfairs. It was whilst travelling that Ortelius built up his unrivalled web of contacts, which included many of the leading historians, scientists, and cartographer's of the day.

These contacts would prove invaluable in the compiling and completion of his 'Theatrum orbis Terrarum' first published in 1570. The work was "the first true atlas" (van der Broecke): all the maps were of a uniform size and style, with an engraved title, accompanying text, and - hitherto unheard of in cartographic publications - a list of the source material. With its comprehensive scope, the atlas was a huge step forward compared with the contemporary "Lafreri" atlases, which were bound up to order and so reflected the whims of the customer. Even though it was the most expensive work published at the time, it proved an instant success with four versions of the first edition being printed in 1570 alone. The work would go on to be published for 42 years, with some 31 editions being produced.

The publisher
Joannes Baptista Vrients (1552-1612), had a close connection to Cornelis Claesz, "the dominant printer and merchant in the Dutch Republic for printed and hand-drawn maps, charts, rutters and atlases relating to overseas trade" (Zandfliet), for the period 1580-1610. Vrients is probably best known for acquiring the plates and stock printed by Christopher Plantijn of Abraham Ortelius's 'Theatrum…' Ortelius's heirs in 1602. In spite of publishing some important and beautiful maps, and editions of the 'Theatrum', Vrients was bankrupt within ten years, and his stock was sold at auction in April 1612 when the Plantin-Moretus family bought several hundred plates.