Beautifully engraved world map on Mercator's projection. The cartography was closely copied from Blaeu's world map of 1606. Latin title at top, outside neatline, with German gothic script title and a notation concerning the discovery of the Americas in 1492 that covers the unknown interior of North America. There is a large southern continent connected to New Guinea, California is a peninsula, and there are plenty of open ended waterways in the eastern part of North America, which leave open the question of a Northwest Passage. Two polar projections in lower corners. The map is richly adorned with sea monsters, galleons and compass roses. First state with Merian's signature bottom right.

References: Shirley #345.

Condition: A+

Fine, sharp impression.