This stunning large map of the world on a north polar projection is a derivative of the extremely rare Cassini-Nolin map of 1696, which is considered the earliest "scientific" map of the world. The map is based on scientific observations made throughout the world by the French Academy of Sciences. The more than forty astronomical stations (marked on the map with a small star) include Quebec, Santiago, the Cape of Good Hope, Goa, Malacca, and Peking. California is depicted as an island and there is a huge landmass incorporating Terre de Iesso filling the north Pacific and connected through the Arctic with Greenland. Van der Aa's version also adds some conjectural coastlines of Terres Australes. Van de Aa's edition of the map helped to popularize Cassini's work and added the superb allegorical engravings around the starkly scientific map. These robust engravings, drawn by Jan Goeree and engraved by Gilliam van der Gouwen, are among the most spectacular examples of the map-maker's art.

References: cf Shirley #579.

Condition: B+

Sharp impression and superb old color. The centerfold has a small repair at bottom and the top and bottom margins have been added to accommodate framing. There are a couple small spots in the map and an old embossed stamp in the cartouche at right.