Septentrionalium Terrarum descriptio, Mercator, c. 1633
This is the first map to focus on the mysteries of the North Pole. Mercator first hinted at the subject on his famous world map of 1569, showing an inset of the area, but this map addresses it head on. While no exploration had occurred throughout most of these northern reaches, great and detailed speculations were conceived. Here, four large islands are divided by rivers, with a large black rock at the center of the north pole. This was a supposed magnetic island surrounded by a giant whirlpool. In between Greenland and Iceland is the ficticious island of Frisland, perhaps derived Zeno's map of 1558 which noted Frisland as its own island, and it carried on from there. Three surrounding inset maps show the Faeroe Isles, Shetland Island and the non-existent island of Friesland. Condition is good with some minor centerfold repairs, the original green hand color has darkened. Some marginal staining. Image size is approximately 15.5 x 14.5 (inches)
