This is a full sheet of Italian text (12.5 x 19.5") from Coronelli's Isolario (Island book). It presents two small maps on either side of the sheet with a lengthy history of the famous Spice Islands. The Banda Islands played an outsized role during the early days of the European exploration and colonization of Asia, Africa and the New World. As the world's sole source of the valuable spices, nutmeg and mace, these tiny islands attracted traders first from China, South Asia and the Middle East and then in the 16th century were discovered by European explorers. Various European powers fought over control of the islands throughout the colonial period.

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Condition: A+