Theatre of the World

This digital companion to the exhibit showcases selected rare books from Duke University’s collections that chart early modern European efforts to document, interpret, and imagine the wider world. Each item includes an in-depth writeup detailing its creation, purpose, audience, and historical significance—alongside reflections on its limitations and legacies.

The site also offers supplementary content not featured in the physical exhibition, including extended commentary, historical context, and additional images. Links to each item’s full catalog entry are provided on their respective pages. You can also flip through a curated version of Duke’s remarkable copy of the Theatrum Orbis Terrarum via the View the Atlas page.

All exhibit items are held by the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library and may be viewed in person in the Reading Room.

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