March 2013 |
World's Largest Atlas
Yesterday, Rebecca wrote about the world's tiniest book, recently published by a Japanese firm, which measures 0.75 x 0.75 mm.
On the other side of the equation, is the Earth Platinum Atlas - the largest atlas ever produced - which clocks in at an impressive 6 ft x 9 ft. The Earth Platinum Atlas was in the news recently as the the publishing company behind it is seeking new investors to keep the project afloat.
The Atlas is being published by Millenium Publishing, a company established by the Australian publisher Gordon Cheers in 2005 with the primary goal of producing this book. The idea had been rejected by a variety of mainstream publishers due to its extraordinary high price tag.
At a reputed cost of $1m+ to produce the 31 copies of the Earth Platinum Atlas, it's not hard to see why.
Millenium has thus far sold seven copies of the book, which retail for $100,000.
A copy of the Earth Platinum Atlas resides in the British Library, along with the freshly de-throned Klencke Atlas, which has held the title of World's Largest Atlas since King Charles II ascended to the throne of England.
In 1660.
The Klencke Atlas - produced with 17th century technology - measures a puny 5 ft 9 by 6 ft 3.
It was only publicly displayed for the first time three years ago in 2010.
[Promotional images gleaned from Millennium House and the British Library respectively]