"America Septentrionalis", Hondius/Jansson

This important map of North America had great influence in perpetuating the theory of California as an island due to its wide distribution through this preeminent Dutch publishing firm. The map is a careful compilation of various sources and represents the state of cartographic knowledge at the time. The insular California is derived directly from Henry Briggs, as is the depiction of the Arctic. The island is shown with a great number of place names, including po. de S. Diego (San Diego) and Po. Sir Francisco Draco (San Francisco). The Rio del Nort originates in a large western lake and flows incorrectly into the Mare Vermio. The cartography of the Gulf of Mexico and Florida is based on Hessel Gerritsz. On the east coast, the region identified as Novum Belgium is greatly elongated, Iames Towne and a few place names in Nova Anglia are derived from John Smith's map. There is a single Lac des Iroquois in the Great Lakes region. The Dutch nomenclature along the coast of Labrador appears for the first time, reflecting Dutch whaling interests in the region. The map is richly embellished with a variety of animals throughout the interior, including deer, horses, buffalo, rabbits and more. The oceans are teeming with ships and sea monsters. The title cartouche stars several Native Americans and the imprint cartouche features two comely mermaids. Second state of this fine map, with Jansson's imprint and Latin text on verso.

References: Burden #245; McLaughlin #6; Tooley (Amer) #6, pl. 28; Goss (NA) #30.

Condition: B+

Lightly toned original color. The map has been professionally backed with light Japanese tissue, strengthening the paper against damage from the oxidation of color.