This is an 18th century Italian engraved reproduction of Hondius' stunning, important map of North America that had great influence in perpetuating the theory of California as an island due to its wide distribution via this preeminent Dutch publishing firm. The insular California is derived directly from Henry Briggs, as is the depiction of the Arctic. A great number of place names are revealed on California, including po. de S. Diego (San Diego) and Po. Sir Francisco Draco (San Francisco). The Rio del Nort originates in a large western lake and flows incorrectly into the Mare Vermio. The cartography of the Gulf of Mexico and Florida is based on Hessel Gerritsz. On the east coast the region identified as Novum Belgium is greatly elongated; Iames Towne and a few place names from John Smith's map appear in Nova Anglia. There is a single Lac des Iroquois in the Great Lakes region. The map is richly embellished with a variety of animals throughout the interior and the oceans are teeming with ships and sea monsters. The title cartouche features several Native Americans and two comely mermaids flank the imprint cartouche. This is the uncommon Italian reproduction that Burden attributes to the late seventeenth or early eighteenth century. It bears the "curious imprint" at lower left Amstedodami Excusum apud Iudocum et Henricum Hondium. Anno 1631. Blank verso.

References: Burden #245; cf McLaughlin #6; cf Tooley (Amer) #6, pl. 28; cf Goss (NA) #30.

Condition: B+

Crisp impression and full margins. A few marginal tears and lower marginal centerfold closed on verso with tape. Some marginal soiling.