Blaeu (or Blaeuw), Willem Janszoon (1571–1638)

Dutch map maker and astronomer. A student of the astronomer Tycho Brahe, he became one of the leading map makers of the early 17th century and founded a major map-publishing house in Amsterdam. His works include a world map issued in 1605, a three-volume sea atlas Het Licht der Zeevaerdt/The Light of Navigation (1608–21), and a series of atlases, beginning in 1638.

Born in Alkmaar, Blaeu served a two-year apprenticeship in Amsterdam, then developed his geographical and astronomical skills under the guidance of Tycho Brahe in Denmark. In 1596 he returned to Amsterdam, and established himself as a maker of both globes and scientific instruments. He also founded a publishing house in 1599, specializing in cartography.

Blaeu enjoyed wide acclaim for the quality of his work. His instruments and globes featured unprecedented precision, and he developed a new type of press for mapmaking.

After Blaeu died, his son Jan Blaeu (died 1673) continued his work, the 11-volume Atlas Major (1662) being the firm's greatest achievement.