Originally published by Jacob van Meurs in 1660, and reissued here by Van der Aa, this map is based on Arnold Colom's wonderfully graphic map from the first world maritime atlas. California is an island, separated from Nova Albion, which stretches towards Asia and off the map. The western coast of New Zealand appears, as do several other important Pacific islands. Australia is partially mapped and only the southern tip of Tasmania appears. Each hemisphere includes a strap work cartouche, with the French title, Nouveau Carte du Monde, in the Eastern Hemisphere. Superb engravings surround the map with representations of the gods Apollo and his sister Diana representing day and night with four female allegories of the elements of Fire, Air, Water, and Earth.

The map is still bound into volume one of Van der Aa's Le Grand Theatre Historique, including numerous engravings within the text, several full-page portrait plates, frontispiece, and elaborate double-page engraved dedication to King Frederick I of Prussia. 742 pages (2 columns per page - effectively 371 pages). Quarto, rebacked with original leather boards.

References: Shirley #417.

Condition: B

The map has some toning and a small dampstain in the top blank margin. Plates and text are also good with light to moderate toning and light scattered foxing throughout. There are manuscript notations throughout the text (in the margins next to the engravings) and a former owner's bookplate on the front pastedown. Rebacked with the original boards, which are heavily worn with bumped corners.