Commelin, Caspar. Beschryvinge van Amsterdam.

(AMSTERDAM).

Andries van Damme, et al

Amsterdam

1726

Second edition. Vol. I (of 2). Numerous engraved city views (mostly double-page) and text illustrations by Jan Luyken, Petrus Schenk and others.

Caspar Commelin (1636 - 1693) was a printer, bookseller and publisher in late 17th century Amsterdam, as well as a noted historian of his native city. His finely illustrated “Beschryvinge van Amsterdam” is regarded as the best description in its time of this cosmopolitan city. The two synagogues of Amsterdam at the time (Ashkenazic and the Sephardic) are identified on the large fold-out map (see prior to p. 253) as no. 20: Ioode Kercken (“Jewish Churches.”. The Ashkenazi Synagogue also appears in the background of the plate entitled: Oude Zyds Huys-Sitten Huys (see prior to p. 535).