The Clark Library has an extensive collection of maps and atlases from the 16th century as well as several high quality reproductions of medieval mappa mundi (world maps) and portolan charts. Many of these visually exquisite maps are more art than map. We’ll have many important geographical works on display including Ortelius’s world atlas, Theatrum Orbis Terrarum (1570), which was one of the most popular books of its time and is considered by many to be the first modern atlas.

Join us for this Third Thursdays at the Library series, where curators share highlights from the library's vast collections.