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

This beautifully engraved world map is presented on Mercator's projection with cartography closely copied from Blaeu's world map of 1606. The Latin title is printed at top, outside the neatline, with a German gothic script title and notation, concerning the discovery 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, which leave open the question of a Northwest Passage. Two polar projections in lower corners partially obscure the great southern landmass. The map is finely decorated with sea monsters, galleons and compass roses. First state with Merian's signature bottom right.

References: Shirley #345.

Condition: B

Nice impression with attractive color. Toning on centerfold, as well as some small and unobtrusive repaired worm tracks.