Largest book in the world puts print on the map

Giant atlas maps out the power of print in new exhibition at the British Library.

At a staggering 175 x 190cm (almost six-feet tall), the Klencke Atlas contains 37 printed wall maps on paper and, according to the British Library, is the largest book in the world. Presented by the Amsterdam merchant Johannes Klencke to Charles II of England on his restoration to the throne in 1660, the atlas was certainly a gift fit for a king, with thirty-seven large wall maps in an ornate binding which bears symbols of the kingdoms of Great Britain, and that of France which the English monarch still claimed.

Pictured: Something to look up, and up to: Peter Barber (right) with the Klencke Atlas.

The Klencke Atlas is one of 100 maps currently on show at the Magnificent Maps: Power, Propaganda and Art exhibition, which runs from 30 April to 19 September. Peter Barber, head of map collections at the British Library, believes that the medium continues to resonate with people and fulfil an important function.

“Maps are often pictorial encyclopaedias that are about far more than just geography – Magnificent Maps is a visual extravaganza that will, I hope, intrigue, fascinate and entrance visitors while challenging their assumptions about the very nature and purpose of maps,” he said.