Folio Archives 270: Mappa Mundi - Limited Edition 2010

Mappa Mundi, The Hereford World Map - Limited Edition. 2010

This extraordinary production by the Folio Society under the direction of Joe Whitlock Blundell is in a category of its own.

The production consists of a massive facsimile map of the 1300 original that is 140x118cm. It is printed in 4 colours and gold on Neobond, mounted on canvas, supported by wooden battens at top and bottom, and labelled on reverse with limitation panel. There is also a laid-in numbered limitation certificate.

Accompanying the facsimile map are two volumes, each 28.5x22.3cm.in their dark blue unadorned slipcases. They are :-
- Commentary volume of 112 pages by P.D.A.Harvey, bound in dark blue buckram blocked in gilt with an image, with ribbon marker and multiple colour and monochrome embedded illustrations.
- Descriptive volume of 536 pages by Scott D.Westrem, bound in dark blue buckram blocked in gilt with an image, 2 ribbon markers, 16 pages of colour illustrations.
Between them, these two volumes tell you everything you would ever need to know about the history, making and provenance of the map, with a detailed explanation of every facet of the map including a translation of every place and word on the map.

The limitation was a generous 1000, and mine is number 336. The original price from the FS was £519.

The Hereford World Map is recognised by UNESCO as an exceptional cultural artefact. It was the largest and most detailed Mappa Mundi of its era. It contains elements not only of a map (which is alien in form to our modern eyes), but also a bestiary, psalter, Bible and world history.

Originally created for display in Hereford Cathedral, it remains there to this day agter being restored by the British Museum.































The section of map below shows the British Isles


















INTRODUCTORY VOLUME


























COMMENTARY VOLUME
















































An index of the other illustrated reviews in the "Folio Archives" series can be viewed here.

Wow.

You know, Folio Society should pay you for marketing advice.

Edit:Original Price only 519!! You can get one now for $22,875 or the books only for $875. Going to have to put this in my search list.

https://www.vialibri.net/searches?publisher=Folio+Society&all_text=Hereford&...

The Mappa Mundi is still, for me, the single most treasurable thing that FS has ever produced.

>1 wcarter: "Originally created for display in Hereford Cathedral, it is now housed in the British Library."

Where did you see that information? - as far as I know it is still at Hereford ...

Thinking of starting a new thread - "Folio Items that you most regret not buying"! This would be my first choice closely followed by Finnegans Wake :-(

Thank-you for the superb presentation of information/pictures on this and also the many previous Folio Archive threads - but unfortunately only making me regret my non-purchase even more! I still occasionally drool over the original marketing leaflets!

>4 RogerBlake:
You are correct. It was only restored at the British Mueum, then returned to Hereford Cathedral.
Original entry amended.

>4 RogerBlake: Thinking of starting a new thread - "Folio Items that you most regret not buying"! This would be my first choice

It would be pretty close to the top of my list, too. It's a big gap (in every sense) in my collection but some time ago I reluctantly accepted I am extremely unlikely to acquire a copy before I die, which is a sad thought.

I have seen the original map in Hereford Cathedral and was a little underwhelmed. Perhaps my expectations were a bit too high.

As for the expensive Folio Society LE and copy map... I am sure it's possible to read up on the subject without the FS companion volume and how often would you wish to look at the map?

There are wonderful and recent history books on the medieval period and that's the best way to pursue an interest in the subject.

>7 English-bookseller: I if had the Folio Society LE it would be hanging in my study, never to go back into its box. Really regret missing out.

>8 gmacaree: My memory may be at fault but it was far from an instant sell out. The Society seemed to have many unsold copies for a long time.

I know when dealing with maps that my memory does not retain images at all well (words are a different matter). So you can see why The MM had no appeal to me but for those who find maps interesting this must be one of the best and oldest surviving copies.

You might find regularly checking with the Saleroom one means of finding a copy coming up in an auction. Most auction houses are happy to post lighter lots within the UK.

>8 gmacaree: I have mine hanging in my bedroom. I look at it every morning.

>8 gmacaree: me too. That was a little before I became aware of the Folio Society. Beautiful. Awesome.

>2 SDB2012:

This surely can’t be the regular secondary price. I have a copy, hanging in a dark area in my house so it won’t be light damaged. I love maps but I think it took me a while to decide to buy it. I thought I’d seen fine copies on eBay for under £1,000. As well as the map, the case is a remarkable item as well. Not sure what number mine is.

This topic might actually convince me to read the companion volumes!

I think the original in Hereford is disappointing because it hasn’t been ‘made new’ as the Folio edition was so the colours are rather dull.