1609 Asia ex magna orbis terre descriptione Gerardi Mercatoris Desumpta studio et industria G.M. Iumioris

This striking map of Asia is based on Mercator’s renowned world map which he published in 1569. The map shows much territory beyond Asia in all directions including parts of Europe, Africa, North America, Australia and the Spice Islands. The Arctic region is shown with two islands near the North Pole. Asia itself is presented in great detail with fortifications, towns and cities, rivers and the bays, gulfs, seas and oceans into which they empty, mountains, and known political entities delineated. Despite the broad territory covered by the map, its placement of Asia at the center focuses attention on it. This particular example is from a French edition of the atlas compiled by Mercator but  published after his death. French text on the verso provides detailed information about the territories of the map. The date indicates that it was published by Jodocus Hondius the Elder, who had purchased Gerard Mercator’s plates from Mercator’s sons.