"America Meridionalis", Hondius/Purchas

Charming small map of the continent with two large mythical lakes, Eupana Lacus in Brazil and Lake Parime in Guyana, and Tierra del Fuego attached to a massive Terra Australis. Decorated with a large strapwork title cartouche, scale of miles, sea monsters and a Spanish galleon sailing into the South Pacific. On full sheet of English text (7.8 x 12.5").

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 #58.

Condition: A

Attractive color with a narrow (3/8") margin at left, as issued.