This is one of the first modern maps of the whole continent. The Ptolemaic geography, with large rivers and convoluted mountains, is augmented from Portuguese and Arabic sources. From the Portuguese comes Caput Bonespei (Cape of Good Hope) and a small group of islands off the eastern coast named Zaphala Aurifodina that were supposedly the region from which King Solomon imported gold and silver. The Arab kingdoms of Quiola and Melinde appear in eastern Africa and Hamarich, the capital of the mythical Christian king Pester John, is shown at the confluence of the twin sources of the Nile. The island of Madagascar is strangely absent, even though its presence was known from the time of Marco Polo. In its stead we see the small island of Zaphala aurifodina, the legendary isle from which King Solomon obtained silver and gold. The map is illustrated with crowns and scepters, forests, parrots, an elephant, a Cyclops (Monoculi) and a large galleon under full sail. The strapwork cartouche containing a text description of the continent. The German title is above the map.

References: Betz,#3, German text variant #3; Tooley (AF) #9; Norwich #2.

Condition: B+

A good impression on a sheet with a couple minor spots and a repair on the lower centerfold