Catalog Archive
Auction 128, Lot 887

"Abissinorum Regnu", Hondius/Purchas

Subject: Central Africa

Period: 1625 (published)

Publication: Purchas His Pilgrimes

Color: Hand Color

Size:
7 x 5.5 inches
17.8 x 14 cm
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Charming little map with a fair amount of detail on the eastern coast, reflecting Colonial trading interests. Below the equator there are two large lakes where the Nile originates. The map is decorated with a strapwork title and scale cartouche. The map originally appeared in the Mercator/Hondius Atlas Minor; here Purchas describes "the great Christian Emperour of Ethiopia," referring to the mythical kingdom of Prester John. Printed on a full sheet of English text..

References:

Condition: A+

Estimate: $130 - $170

Sold for: $130

Closed on 5/20/2009

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