This
beautifully hand coloured original antique map of the
Poitou region of SW
France centering on the cities of Nantes and Rochelle
was published in the rare
1636 English edition of Mercator's Atlas, by Henricus Hondius and Jan Jansson.
As there were so
few of these atlases published with English text on the
verso that maps from
them are now understandably scarce.
Background: Poitou is a historical
region of
west-central France
bordering on
the Bay of
Biscay. A
part of the
Roman
province of Aquitania,
it fell to
the Visigoths (ad
418) and
the Franks
(507) and
was
frequently contested by
France and
England until
the end
of the
Hundred Years'
War, when
it was
incorporated into
the French
crown
lands.
The text running for
two pages on the verso of this map describes the
region or country name, history (as it was),
temperature, seasons, soil and agricultural
productivity. Also described is the topography,
wildlife, local inhabitants their culture and religion,
as well as a description of major European and local
towns and cities. This text makes extremely enjoyable
reading and a very good insight not only into the area
described but the general European attitudes towards
alien countries and cultures.
(Ref: Koeman; M&B; Tooley)
Condition Report:
Paper
thickness and quality: - Heavy and stable
Paper color: - off white
Age of map color: - Original
Colors used: - Yellow, pink, green
General color appearance: - Authentic
Paper size: - 22 1/4in x 18 1/2in (570mm x 470mm)
Plate size: - 19 1/2in x 15in (500mm x 380mm)
Margins: - Min 1in (25mm)
Imperfections:
Margins: - Centrefold re-joined with light uplift
Plate area: - Centrefold re-joined with light uplift,
light creasing
Verso: - Light
creasing, small repair bottom left not affecting the
image
If you wish to discuss this or any other item
please email or call...Simon
61 (0) 409 551910 Tel
simon@classicalimages.com
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