"Anzuany", Valentyn, Francois

This map depicts the island of Anjouan, one of the Comoros islands situated between Madagascar and Africa. The map is oriented with north to the left with the King's Palace shown upside down, and several mountains and forested areas inland. Engraved by F. Ottens. Valentyn was a prominent historian of the Dutch East India Company who is best known for Oud en Nieuw Oost Indien, his vast illustrated account of the Dutch trading empire in Asia. He twice traveled to the East Indies and served as Calvinist minister to Ambon between 1686 and 1694. In preparing this monumental work, he was given privileged access to the previously secret archives of the VOC, containing transcripts and copies of important earlier Dutch voyages.

References: Shirley (BL Atlases) G.VALN-1a.

Condition: A

A crisp impression with a fleur-de-lis watermark and attractive color. Minor marginal soiling.