"Aethiopia Superior vel Interior; vulgo Abissinorum sive Presbiteri Ioannis Imperium", Hondius/Jansson

This map depicts the legendary Christian Kingdom of Prester John. Fabled rivers and numerous exotic animals fill the otherwise empty spaces of the unexplored interior. There is a fair amount of detail on the eastern coast, reflecting the Portuguese and Arab trading interests. Mogadishu, Mombassa, Quiloa [Kilwa] and Mozambique are shown as major towns. The west coast is shown from Benin to Angola with the major feature being the Zaire River. Below the equator are located two large lakes that form the source of the Nile River. A native family surrounds the title cartouche with a bright sun above. This map is nearly identical to Blaeu's map of the same title and is distinguished by the flourishing calligraphy in the oceans. A scarce English text edition with fascinating reading on verso.

References: KOEMAN: Me 41A.

Condition: A

Clean and crisp with nice later color. Some minor surface soil. Professional repair on bottom fold with an extraneous fold in same area. Hinge remnants on verso.