"Tartaria", Hondius/Purchas

Charming small map of the northern region of Asia fully engraved with mountains, forests, and towns. Includes part of China and the island form of Korea. The Anian Fretium separates Asia from Americae Pars. Adorned with title and scale of miles cartouches. On full sheet of English text (7.8 x 12.3") with text on verso.

At the beginning of the 17th century, Samuel Purchas, an English cleric, set out to publish a compendium of voyages to foreign countries. To illustrate his work, Purchase obtained the rights to use Jodocus Hondius' copperplates from Atlas Minor. Over 60 maps were included in Purchas His Pilgrimes, most of which were from Hondius' plates, with English titles inserted above them. Purchas also had a few additional maps engraved, including those for India, China, Greenland, North America, and Nova Scotia.

References: Shirley (BL Atlases) G.PUR-1a #40.

Condition: B+

A dark impression with minor show-through of text on verso. Narrow left margin, as issued, with some loss of neatline at bottom left.