Die Neuwen Inselen - A German edition of the first printed map to show America separately from Asia.

Sebastian Munster

Publication Date: 1572

About this Item

"Sebastian Munster was one of the most influential cartographers of the sixteenth century, and one of his earliest works was an updated version of Ptolemy's Geography that included several new continental maps. One such novel inclusion was a map outlining the continents of North and South America, shown as distinct entities in their recognizable form and entirely separate from Asia for the first time. Another notable "first" is that it was the earliest map to name the Pacific Ocean when first published in 1540. The work was immensely popular, and was issued in nearly forty editions in four different languages over following century. This particular example is from a German edition that was published in 1572 as the thirteenth state. It shares many of the same characteristics as earlier copies; with a few changes in the title, place names, and decorative elements. A Portuguese flag can be seen fluttering in the south Atlantic, while the Spanish ensign is firmly planted on Sciana (Puerto Rico). The Sea of Verrazano is prominently featured on the Atlantic seaboard of North America, and stemmed from early explorations along the Outer Banks of North Carolina which mistook Pamlico Sound for a large eastern ocean. An illustration of cannibals can be seen in Brazil, which also labels the legendary giants of Patagonia further south. The Victoria, the only surviving ship from Magellan's attempt at circumnavigating the globe, is included directly beneath Zipangri (Japan), which itself is shown based on the works of Marco Polo. A landmark map in the European comprehension of the geography of the New World, featuring many of the most recognizable distortions and cartographic myths of the 17th century. References: Burden 12." Sheet Width (in) 15.75 Sheet Height (in) 12.6 Condition Description The margins are a bit ratty, including several areas of soiling and two large chips in the paper on the right and lower edges. There is moderate discoloration along the vertical centerfold and the image has somewhat faded on the right side. One small stain near Regio Gigantum in Brazil. The text on verso shows through on the left side of the sheet. Despite the condition issues, the image itself remains intact and largely clean on a bright sheet.

Seller Inventory # 1434

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Die Neuwen Inselen - A German edition of the first printed map to show America separately from Asia.
• Publication Date: 1572
• Condition: Very Good