"Typus Orbis Terrarum [and] Turcici Imperii Descriptio", Botero, Giovanni

Both maps bound in a rare off-print published on the occasion of the Turkish Wars. The booklet bears the title "Tabula geographica impery magni Turcae…et tabula geographica, quae ob oculos ponit…" and is from Botero's Latin edition of Relationi Universale. This small pamphlet contains the title page, twenty-two pages of text and the two, double-page maps. Bound in thick, crude paper. The world map is a very scarce issue similar in style to one by Mathias Quad. According to Shirley, this map is attributed to Andreas as publisher although it is also known to have appeared in works by Botero and others. Geographically it is similar in style and outline to Quad's map on a planispherical projection. The North American continent is shown overly large and South America is depicted with the incorrect bulge on the western coast. In the north Atlantic are the mythical islands of Groclant, Thule, Frischlant, and S. Brandam around Greenland. Large landmasses are shown at both poles, and there is a distinct Northern Passage to Asia, although it is partially hidden by a cartouche with text acknowledging Gerard Mercator and stating that there are 5400 German miles around the earth. Sea monsters fill the oceans. Title above and a quotation from Cicero at bottom. The map of the Turkish Empire shows the Middle East, extending from Italy to Arabia and covering the Cradle of Civilization region. Large, decorative title cartouche. Dimensions given are for the world map, the map of Turkey measures 9.8 x 7.8". The booklet dimensions are 7 x 9.8". This issue, complete with maps, is rarely offered for sale.

References: Shirley #190.

Condition: B

The maps are both very good except for a worm hold in the map of Turkey and a pair of holes in the world map. Cover soiled with some faint brown ink in a contemporary hand.