This is the uncommon, larger, version of Merian's map of the Americas. Merian's bold engraving style copies the cartography of Jodocus Hondius' map of 1631. North America is depicted with a prominent Virginia and an odd New England coastline. The western coastline above California makes the continent too wide and there is only a hint of the Great Lakes. There is a large inland lake in equatorial South America. Insets of the Polar Regions are set in strapwork cartouches. The map is finely decorated with a title cartouche featuring human skulls and bones, representing the legendary cannibalism of the Americas, and the seas are teeming with ships, sea battles and fierce sea monsters.

References: Burden #235, Tooley (Amer) p. 299.

Condition: B

Issued folded, now flattened and expertly backed with light Japanese tissue, repairing some fold separations and worm holes. There is a small (1/8 x 1/2") loss of the engraved surface in Hispania. A 1-1/4" tear at left of the cartouche has been professionally repaired.