Catalog Archive
Auction 138, Lot 810

"A New Map of Libya or Old Africk Shewing its general Divisions, most remarkable Countries or People, Cities, Townes, Rivers, Mountains, &c.", Wells, Edward

Subject: Africa

Period: 1700 (circa)

Publication: A New Sett of Maps Both of Antient and Present Geography

Color: Hand Color

Size:
19.4 x 14.6 inches
49.3 x 37.1 cm
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Wells' atlas contained two maps of each region - one with its then current form and another with ancient and classical names. This is his 'ancient' map of Africa, and although the whole continent is shown, only the geography of Ptolemy is presented. Therefore, the map is largely blank, particularly in the south, which is noted as Unknown to the Ancients. The only city south of the Equator is Rapta metropolis Barbariae and there is a notation at the tip that Vacquez de Gama was the first to sail around Africa in 1497. The large title cartouche is surmounted by the coat of arms of the Duke of Gloucester, who was Wells' student at Oxford and to whom Wells dedicated his atlas.

References: Norwich #60.

Condition: B+

Some light soiling along centerfold and a few creases that have been pressed.

Estimate: $400 - $475

Sold for: $200

Closed on 12/7/2011

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