"Guiana sive Amazonum Regio", Hondius, Henricus

Handsome map extending from the Isla Margarita in the northwest to the coast of northern Brazil near Sao Luis, east of the Amazon delta. The map locates at its center a large inland sea, Parime Lacus, on whose northwestern shore lies the fabled city of Manoa, o el Dorado, or the golden city of the Incas. The search for this city led many explorers, including Sir Walter Raleigh, on wild adventures through the jungles. A recent discovery may have uncovered geological evidence of the existence of a large lake at the foothills of the rich gold producing mountains in the State of Roraima in northern Brazil. That lake is thought to have dried up approximately 700 years ago, but the area frequently is inundated during the rainy season and may well have been the source of the legend. The map is beautifully decorated with three cartouches, ships, sea battles, monsters, and a fine compass rose with rhumb lines. French text on verso, published between 1639-49, either in Nouveau Theatre du Monde or Nouvel Atlas.

References: Van der Krogt (Vol. I) #9840:1.1.

Condition: B

A nice impression on a slightly toned sheet with light offsetting and foxing. There are short centerfold separations confined to the top and bottom blank margins.