This finely engraved hand coloured
original copper-plate map of the French region of Bourbon was published in the
rare English edition of Mercators Atlas published by Henricus Hondius and Jan
Jansson in 1636.
There was only one English edition of
Mercator's Atlas published in 1636 by Jansson & Hondius. These maps - with
English text on the verso - are now understandably scarce.
The text running for two pages on the back of the map generally 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: - Early
Colors used: - Yellow, pink, green
General color appearance: - Authentic
Paper size: - 23in x 19in (585mm x 480mm)
Plate size: - 20in x 15in (510mm x 380mm)
Margins: - Min 1in (25mm)
Imperfections:
Margins: - Uniform age
toning
Plate area: - Uniform age toning
Verso: - Uniform age toning
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