"Africae Litora Priscis Navigata", Morisot, Claude Barthelemy

This rare map of Africa appeared in the first comprehensive book on naval and maritime history. The map is printed on a sheet (8.3" x 14") with Latin text on the above and below the map and full page of text on the verso. The map extends only to central Africa to the Mountains of the Moon. The source of the River Nile is located adjacent to the Montes Lunae, just south of the equator. Embellished with a large strapwork title cartouche at left. A most uncommon depiction of the continent.

Morisot (1592-1661) was one of the great intellectuals of his time and his works enjoyed great success. Orbis Maritimi is an extensive encyclopedia of everything relating to maritime affairs. The great European expeditions to the coasts of Africa and North America were extensively described. The book contained 44 engraved plates including 23 maps. Later editions did not contain the plates, thus they are quite rare.

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Condition: B+

The map has a dark impression with no flaws except some general text offsetting from the adjacent page.