"Regiones Sub Polo Arctico", Blaeu, Willem

This important prototype map of the Arctic incorporates new information from the explorations of Capt. Thomas James with the bay named for him labeled here James his Bay. The Arctic coast of Russia provides information from Willem Barentsz' voyage and Spitsbergen is shown according the Danish expedition of James Hall. Rhumb lines radiate from the North Pole and a large title cartouche, with two figures and numerous wind heads, conveniently hides the northwest coast of America. The map is further decorated with several compass roses, ships and an additional cartouche that features men in parkas, a polar bear and foxes. Dedication to Guilielmo Backer de Corneliis (signed by Joan Blaeu), indicates this issue is from the second state of the plate. French text on verso.

References: Burden #252; Goss (Blaeu) #2.

Condition: A

Sharp impression with some minor repaired tears and edge chips in the blank margins, all well away from the map.