"Americae Descrip.", Mercator/Hondius

Charming reduced version of the Americas map that Hondius engraved for Gerard Mercator's folio atlas. It is a combination of various cartographic sources. North America is greatly enlarged with a Plancius type depiction of Newfoundland and a protruding Virginian coast, and the west coast is separated by only a narrow strait from Asiae Pars. South America is shown with a more or less correct western coastline and there is a large southern continent incorporating New Guinea and Tierra del Fuego. Decorated with sea monsters, sailing ships, and a strapwork title cartouche. This is from the first edition, with Latin text on verso.

References: Burden #153.

Condition: A

Marginal soiling and the margins have been extended at right and bottom to accommodate framing. Manuscript cardinal directions in blank margins.