A. Von den Inseln, by Sebastian Munster, from Cosmographey das ist Beschreibung Aller Lander..., published 1569 (5.8 x 4.1"). This unusual, imaginative map shows a grouping of unidentified islands, although the text makes reference to England, Sicily, Candia, Delos, Rhodes, and others. Each island is unnamed and includes at least one large city, while sea monsters and various types of ships fill the surrounding seas. The map appears twice in the Cosmographia: first, here, in the opening pages, and then towards the end, where the text suggests they are islands in the New World. On a sheet of German text measuring 8.0 x 12.6". Condition: Marginal toning.

B. Stalimene, by Thomas Porcacchi, from L'Isole piu Famose del Mondo, published 1590 (5.5 x 4.0"). This elegantly engraved map of Lemnos features nice detail of the topography and identifies key cities, including Paleocastro (Myrina). It is decorated with an ornate title cartouche, compass rose, and several small sea monsters in the stippled sea. On a sheet of Italian text measuring 7.9 x 11.3". Reference: King (2nd Ed.) pp. 57-59; Mickwitz & Miekkavaara #189-34. Condition: A nice impression on watermarked paper with marginal toning and light dampstaining at bottom right, well away from map image.

References:

Condition: A

See description above.