Originally published in Hondius' Atlas Minor,, this charming small map of central and western Mexico is filled with interesting detail. Mexico City is located on the banks of a large lake, and numerous gold and silver mines are scattered across the map. Guadalajara, Ocomo, Colima, and Chapalicu Mare (Lake Chapala) are among the places located. Strapwork title cartouche and scale of miles balance two diagonal corners. The ocean is fully engraved in moiré. On a full sheet of English text (8.2 x 12.6") which provides fascinating reading about the New World.

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 #57.

Condition: A

A nice impression with a bit of foxing and soiling that is almost entirely outside of the map image.