TO THE NOBLE AND REVEREND

DOCTOR GARCIA DE

LOAISA GIRON, ALMONER TO THE KING, TUTOR TO THE PRINCE, ARCHDEACON OF CARACENA, AND MOST WORTHY CANON OF TOLEDO, HEARTFELT GREETINGS.

A large decorative woodcut initial 'G' features a coat of arms, likely belonging to Garcia de Loaisa Giron, set within the letter. It is surrounded by ornate Renaissance-style floral scrolls and foliage.

I have serious and just reasons that lead me, or rather compel me, to dedicate this Treasury to you, Reverend Sir. For I hoped it would be proper, useful, and pleasing to send it to you above all others, and to publish it under your name as a favorable omen. I did this so that the Prince of Spain, son of our great and unconquered King Philip II Original: Philip II (1527-1598), King of Spain during its Golden Age., and heir to his father's virtue and empire, may more easily learn through your teaching the names by which kingdoms, peoples, cities, and everything contained within the wide circuit of the whole world were called in the past and are called today. A very large and excellent part of this world will one day enjoy happiness under his rule in deep and nourishing peace. I believed it would be advantageous for him, who will preside over kingdoms and peoples, to know in advance the names of these realms and nations, both ancient and modern.

Since you have been chosen to lead and shape the youth of our Prince, as the most learned among great men and the most prudent among the learned, it would have been unworthy of an honest man, and thus of my own character, to claim any other guardian for this work.

The work itself is learned and laborious. It will take away the glory from those who have tried the same, and it will take the material away from those who might try in the future. It is truly a Treasury of Names Latin: Thesaurus Onomasticus; a dictionary or reference list of proper names. for all places, whether on land or in the water. It is truly a treasury of rare and hidden knowledge. Finally, the name of the author himself, Abraham Ortelius, Royal Geographer Latin: Geographus Regius; Ortelius was appointed as the geographer to King Philip II in 1575., commends it sufficiently. He chose me above all others to give his book to, and to give it in such a way that...