A pair of unusual maps featuring California as an Island. The lot includes:

1) A crisply engraved polar projection depicting the entire world except the South Pole. California is shown as an island and there is a suggestion of a Northwest Passage via Hudson Bay. There is a distorted portion of Australia noted as Nova Hollandia. The map has delightful depictions of birds and wind heads in the heavens as well as fish and monsters swimming the seas. The beautiful cartouche is filled with animals and two small astronomical diagrams flank the map. (14 x 8.8").

2) Proiecto Geometrica Hemisphaerii Occide is a simple map showing all of the Western Hemisphere and part of Europe and Africa. It features the island of California and very distinct waterways with little other topographical information. At the bottom are two global projections showing the route between Constantinople and Goa (7.3 x 9.3").

References: Map 1) Shirley #627.

Condition: B+

1) Dark, early impression on sheet with original margins. One spot and light centerfold toning. 2) Dark impression, fine. Hinge remnants on verso.