"Atlas" collection

Type: Thematic collection of geographic, economic, and historical atlases
Status: Closed collection
Location: “ATL”
Time span: 1831–1994
Language: Mainly Italian, English, and French; also includes titles in German, Spanish, Hungarian, and multilingual works
Format: Printed monographs, mostly large-format
Access conditions: On-site consultation, with special precautions due to the condition of the materials
Origin: The collection is the result of the gradual consolidation of cartographic works previously held in the library’s holdings

Content:

The collection primarily consists of an extensive assemblage of atlases and cartographic works, with a strong focus on geography, economics, commerce, and history. The publications cover a wide temporal span, from the mid-nineteenth century to the 1980s. Geographically, the collection has a global scope, with a clear emphasis on works related to Italy, Europe, and specific historical and political areas of interest such as colonial Africa and Dalmatia. There is a notable editorial consistency, with a significant proportion of works published by renowned specialized publishers of cartography and reference works, such as Istituto Geografico De Agostini and Touring Club Italiano.

Main thematic areas:

• General geography and cartography: Most works are general geographic atlases, often including thematic appendices.
• Economics and commerce: Includes atlases and studies dedicated to international and local economic and commercial topics.
• History: A significant number of volumes focus on history, including the history of exploration, industrial and commercial history, and works with specific historical perspectives.
• Urban planning: A specific volume, the Atlas of Urban History, introduces this thematic area.
• Local studies and monographs: The collection includes works devoted to specific geographic areas or topics of local or national significance.

Documentary and historical value:

The collection stands out for its high degree of thematic and chronological coherence. The predominance of atlases and cartographic works reflects a precise focus and considerable documentary value for the history of Italian and international cartography. The presence of multiple editions of serial works is particularly significant for academic research, as it allows the study of the evolution of geographic and thematic representation over time. The inclusion of rare volumes or works of local interest further enhances the historical value, making the collection a valuable resource for specialized studies in political and cultural history. Many volumes feature high-quality visual apparatus, including color plates and fold-out maps.