Antique World Map or General Description of the Terrestrial and Aquatic Globe, 1740

Giovambattista Albrizzi was an Italian cartographer and publisher who lived during the 18th century. He is known for his work in cartography and publishing maps and atlases. One of his notable publications is titled "Mappamondo o sia Descrizione Generale del Globo Terrestre ed Acquatico," which translates to "World Map or General Description of the Terrestrial and Aquatic Globe" in English.

Published in 1740, Albrizzi's "Mappamondo" was a comprehensive and detailed description of the world at that time. It aimed to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the geography and features of the Earth, both on land and in the oceans. The work likely included maps, illustrations, and textual descriptions of various regions, countries, continents, and bodies of water.

During the 18th century, cartography was a vital field as explorations and scientific advancements expanded the knowledge of the world's geography. Maps and atlases played a crucial role in disseminating this information and providing a visual representation of the Earth's features. Albrizzi's "Mappamondo" was part of this broader effort to document and illustrate the world as it was understood at the time.

Giovambattista Albrizzi (1698-1777) was an Italian publisher, bookseller, and entrepreneur who operated in Venice during the 18th century. He came from a family of publishers and continued their business, making significant contributions to the publishing industry.

Albrizzi gained recognition for his role in promoting and disseminating knowledge through his publications. He was known for producing a wide range of books, including atlases, travel accounts, scientific works, and literary classics. His publishing house played a significant role in the cultural and intellectual life of Venice at that time.

One of Albrizzi's notable achievements was the establishment of the "Albrizzi Press," which produced high-quality editions of classical works, particularly in the field of literature. These editions were esteemed for their accurate texts and elegant designs, attracting notable authors and scholars.

Albrizzi's publishing activities extended beyond literature. He also published maps, cartographic works, and globes. His "Mappamondo o sia Descrizione Generale del Globo Terrestre ed Acquatico" was one of his notable cartographic publications, as mentioned earlier.

Throughout his career, Albrizzi maintained connections with prominent scholars, artists, and intellectuals of his time. His publishing house became a gathering place for cultural exchange and intellectual discourse. Albrizzi's publications contributed to the spread of knowledge and the preservation of important literary and cartographic works.

While Albrizzi's name might not be as well-known today as some of his contemporaries, his contributions to the world of publishing and his role in promoting cultural and scientific knowledge during the 18th century are recognized and appreciated in the field of historical bibliography.