"Nova Totius Terrarum Orbis Geographica Ac Hydrographica Tabula", Merian, Matthaus

The cartography of this finely engraved map was closely copied from Blaeu's world map of 1606. Latin title at top, outside neatline, with German script title and notation concerning the discovering of the Americas in 1492, which covers the unknown interior of North America. There is a large southern continent connected to New Guinea, California is a peninsula and there are plenty of open ended waterways in the eastern part of North America alluding to a possible Northwest Passage. Two polar projections occupy the lower corners. The map is richly decorated with numerous sea monsters, galleons and compass roses. First state with Merian's signature at bottom right.

References: Shirley #345.

Condition: A

Sharp impression. Expert repair on bottom fold.