"Observations sur les Points Cardinaux, Lignes, et Cercles de la Sphere", Brion de la Tour/Desnos

This is an attractive and curious map showing the world in rudimentary form, in two hemispheres, with French text at sides describing various astronomical observations. The northwest coast of North America shows Philip Buache's controversial theories concerning a possible Northwest Passage. In the South Pacific is the partial coastline of New Zealand. It is incorrectly shown as the eastern coastline, when what was actually known at this point in history is the western coastline. One of the most remarkable parts of the map is the superb decorative border that surrounds the map and text. This frame-style border is draped with a delicately engraved floral garland and bedecked with navigational and mapmaking instruments and tools. It was printed from a separated plate, making this a very expensive production for the publisher.

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Condition: A+