This rare map of France was published only in the first edition of Paulus Merula's Cosmographiae Generalis, which included 5 larger maps engraved by Johannes and Baptista van Doetecum and 38 maps from Petrus Bertius' Tabularum Geographicarum. It names provinces, towns, and cities and features some nice topographical detail. Elegantly engraved by Baptista van Doetecum, the map is embellished with an elaborate compass rose, a delicately patterned sea, and the coat of arms for France with three fleurs-de-lis and a crown on top. There are two strapwork cartouches, one at top right for the title, and the other at bottom left with the distance scales.

Merula, a Dutch jurist, was appointed to the chair of history at the University of Leyden in 1592. In addition to this geography he also published folio editions, wrote many treatises on laws and history, and is also known for his geological studies.

References: Shirley (BL Atlases) T.MERU-1a #13.

Condition: B+

A fine impression issued folding on watermarked paper with light toning along the centerfold, and a tiny edge tear that enters the neatline at top. There is a binding trim at bottom left that has been replaced with old paper and an adjacent 2" tear that has been professionally repaired.