Inde Ancienne a L'Occident du Gange
Paris: Denys Thierry, 1683.
Miniature map. Copper plate engraving. Image measures 5 3/4" x 4".
This miniature map of the Indian subcontinent extends from the Indus River delta to the Ganges River delta. Despite its small size, the map depicts the subcontinent in lovely detail, showing towns and rivers and regional place names. The Himalayas, at the northern boundary of this map, are depicted pictorially. Above the map is the heading "De L'Asie. Figure XXXVIII." The map appeared in the French edition of Manesson-Mallet's "Description de L'Univers." In very good condition. Some dampstaining around edges, not affecting the image. French text on verso.
Allain Manesson-Mallet (1630-1706) advanced from his position of musket bearer under Louis XIV to eventually occupy the position of "maitre de mathematiques" to the French King. He was the author and engraver of "Description de L'Univers," a five-volume survey of the world that included maps of the ancient and modern world, star maps, illustrations of flora and fauna, and information on the customs, religion and government of the many nations included in the text. At the time, the text was the largest and most comprehensive work of its kind ever published. Intended to entertain its readers, Mallet's "Description" was a time capsule of the 17th-century world that captured and displayed it in all its splendor. Binding: Unbound
Language: English
Price: $165.00
Item #338517