Hondius' Important Map of the Americas

"America", Hondius, Jodocus

Jodocus Hondius' map of the Americas is one of the most elaborate examples of fine Dutch cartography. The decorations, including sea monsters, indigenous birds, native canoes and sailing vessels, are taken from De Bry's Grand Voyages. Particularly notable is the scene of natives preparing an intoxicating drink made from manioc roots, which is derived from Hans Staden's harrowing venture into Brazil. The continents are presented on a stereographic projection, which was becoming increasingly popular at the beginning on the 17th century. It presents a more correct western coastline of South America and narrows the breadth of Mexico. However, North America is still too broad and Virginia has an exaggerated coastline. Newfoundland is based on Plancius. The coastlines are fully engraved with place names. This is from the last French edition of this important atlas.

References: Burden #150; Van der Krogt (Vol. I) #9000:1B.

Condition: B+

A fine impression with light soiling and some professional repairs to separations along the centerfold, to two tears that enter map image 1.5" at bottom near centerfold, and to some large chips in the upper, right and lower blank margins, far from map image.