A Magnificent Sea Chart of the West Indies

"Indiarum Occidentalium Tractus Littorales cum Insulis Caribicis ... / Pascaert van Westindien ende Caribise Eylanden…", Wit, Frederick de

This is the scarce first edition of one of the most beautifully engraved maps of the West Indies. It extends to show the coastline of North America nearly to New England, all of Central America, and the northern coastline of South America. There is a wealth of navigational information including passages, anchorages, sandbanks and shoals. The chart is a masterpiece of decorative engraving with illustrations of sailing vessels, a compass rose and two elaborate title cartouches (Latin and Dutch), one showing cannibalism.

References: Burden #468.

Condition: B

Old color with short centerfold separations at top and bottom and three tears at top that enter map image 1-1.5", all of which have been repaired with old paper on verso. There is also a long vertical crease to the right of centerfold and light toning.