Henrich Scherer, a mathematics professor and Jesuit, produced this work to emphasize the extent of Catholic influence in the New World. This richly engraved map shows the island of California with a large, central mountain range. It shows the Mississippi River originating in two large lakes in present-day Canada, and the island of California is depicted with an indented top coast on the later Sanson model. A small part of the imaginary land of Anian is separated from the mainland by the Fretum Anian. The Jesuit missions in Mexico and Central America are depicted with a small symbol of a star in a circle. The map is decorated with a pictorial title cartouche depicting the conversion of Native Americans to Christianity. Ships and sea monsters embellish the oceans.

References: Burden #755; McLaughlin #129; Shirley (BL Atlases) T.SHER-1a #39.

Condition: A

A sharp impression on a bright sheet with red-lined edges and very minor marginal soiling.