Three fine maps (approximately 13 x 9.5") printed on a single large sheet. First is a map of the world on Mercator's projection showing various astronomical observations taken during the seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries. The bottom two maps are polar projections. The Northern Hemisphere is a very unusual map with north and south poles depicted on the same sphere by superimposing one on the other. The map of the Southern Hemisphere shows the tracks of recent explorations and includes a "Plan et Vue des Terres du Cap de la Circoncision," an imaginary part of Antarctica. Dated 1739-46 but published circa 1754-57.

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Condition: A

Contemporary color on a sturdy sheet with the watermark of a Maltese cross encircled in rosary beads, and a hint of toning and offsetting.