(“L’Amerique Septentrionale Divisee En Ses Principales Parties …” This map of North America, from Pierre Mortier’s Atlas Nouveau, was printed in either Amsterdam or Paris in 1692. It depicts California as an island and and represents six, rather than five, Great Lakes. It can be yours for ₤3,600.)
If, like me, you’re pretty sure that you were a cartographer in an earlier life and continue to be fascinated by antique maps, here’s a treat to begin your week. Jonathan Potter’s spectacular collection of rare antique maps —the work of forty years— is all for sale (along with the New Bond Street map dealership he established when his hobby reached a critical mass).
You can see some of them here. Check out the colorful and imaginative depictions of Iceland.