Rare Proof State with English Text on Verso

"Novissima Russiae Tabula Authore Isaaco Massa", Hondius/Jansson

This map is based on the travels of Isaac Massa, the Dutch traveler & merchant, who first visited Russia during the Time of the Troubles. When he returned to Holland in 1609 he brought a rich collection of historical, geographical, ethnographic & cartographic material that formed the basis of this and several other important maps of the region from this period. The map covers all of Scandinavia and the Baltic region thought to include the Black and Caspian seas. It is nicely detailed including engraved forests and mountains. This is the second proof state with a simplified title cartouche without the dedication/publishers imprint and coat of arms blank. English text on verso, from the rare English edition of Mercator's Atlas, published by Henricus Hondius and Jan Jansson.

References: Van der Krogt (Vol. I) #1800:1B.1.

Condition: B

Original color with toning, light soiling, and several minor extraneous creases. There are some short tears primarily confined to the blank margins that have been archivally repaired. Remargined at bottom with old paper, with neatline replaced in facsimile.