"Nova Virginiae Tabula", Hondius/Blaeu

This is one of the most important seventeenth century maps of the Chesapeake Bay region. The early settlement of Jamestown is noted as Iamestowne, and there are a number of other place names, both English and Native American. The map was derived from Capt. John Smith's map of 1612, which was the first to depict the bay and its tributaries with any accuracy. In the upper left corner is an engraving of the great Indian chief, Powhatan, seated on his throne and surrounded by his subjects. A Susquehanna chief is depicted on the right under the British coat-of-arms and a key cartouche. The plate was engraved by D. Grijp and was originally published by Jodocus Hondius Jr. in 1618. It was purchased by Willem Blaeu shortly after Hondius' death (1629) and Blaeu's imprint replaced that of Hondius. German text on verso and text at bottom "America … B" identify this map as the 1635 edition.

References: Burden #193; Tooley (Amer) p 161-62.

Condition: A

Very fine example less some toning or backstrap show-through at centerfold and a little marginal soiling.