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M-12256: (Image: 6 5/8 x 9 7/8'') “TYPUS ORBIS TERRARUM”  from Historische Chronica oder Beschreibund der führnembsten Geschichten... "  Matthaus Merian.  Frankfurt: Caspar Röteln, c. 1630.  Engraved map with later hand-coloring. Extremely scarce - not in Shirley (see #356A for later issue).

This decorative map is one of the earliest to show California as an island (following Brigg's map of 1625).  It displays the world in two hemispheres with symbols around them representing the sun and moon, and the four elements (fire, air, earth and water).  Admittedly, little is known about Antarctica which is labeled "Incognita".  "Terra Australis" continues nearly to New Guinea and includes Terra del Fuego. Even less is known about the North American Continent and Arctic region.   Fascinating view of the world as it was believed to exist by the early 1600's!