"Les Deserts d'Egypte, de Thebaide d'Arabie de Sirie, &c", Michalet, Estienne

This unusual map is centered on the Red Sea, and covers the Eastern Mediterranean with Cyprus, the Middle East, Sinai and the northern part of Egypt. Beautifully engraved to show the topography (much of which is fanciful) and to illustrate incidents in the lives of several saints. Most interestingly the map is filled with dragons, serpents, crocodiles, lions, camels and elephants. It also depicts monasteries and hermits living in the desert solitude. This large map is printed on two joined sheets and is oriented with north in the upper right corner by a fine compass rose.

References: Laor, E.496; Stylianou 151.

Condition: B

Printer's crease at upper left. Couple of faint damp stains.