''IRLANDIÆ, regnum'' Gerard Mercator. Amsterdam: Jodocus Hondius, c. 1623. Engraved map with later hand-coloring. Verso text Latin. Ref: Law p. 19-20; Van der Krogt, Vol. I, #5900: 1A1.(Image: 13 x 16 1/4'')
This highly decorative map depicts The Kingdom of Ireland with north oriented to the right. The four provinces of Leinster, Munster, Ulster and Connacht are named and separately colored, and each of the counties are named and delineated. Topographical features are shown and cities, towns, mountains, and water routes are identified.
The western coast of Connacht is shown flat - without usual bulge. Legend has it this depiction caused survivors of the defeated 1588 Spanish Armada, who attempted sailing north around Scotland and down past Ireland, to hug the coast too closely and shipwreck on the shore. Their descendants are supposedly the Black Irish (with dark hair and complexion).
Gerard Mercator – is considered the “greatest name in geographical science after Ptolemy” and produced the most accurate and current maps of his day. He was the first to choose “Atlas” as the name for a collection of maps. Unlike many of his contemporaries,
Shipped unmatted
