Map/Chart > The Persian Collection

Novissima Totius Terrarum Orbis Tabula

First published in London by John Seller in 1675 in English as part of his ‘Atlas Maritimus’, or A Book of Charts. Engraved and hand coloured.

Further Information

This stunning map was originally printed as part of the Atlas Maritimus and it shows the world in two hemispheres. North and South America are depicted with the northwest part of North America blank. It also includes a map and schematic drawing of the moon and three drawings of planetary orbits according to Copernicus, Ptolemy, and Tycho Brahe, as well as a diagram of Earth's solar orbit. Decorative elements include scenes from the four seasons with accompanying astrological signs (spring is shown with a cupid or angel, fall with harvest scene and reapers of wheat, summer with scene of Bacchus and grape harvest, and winter with skaters and an old man by a fire), a bird or eagle, dragon, rabbits, and sea monster (perhaps symbolizing the four elements). Cartographic elements include lines of latitude and longitude. California is shown as an island.

Seller's map is derived from Dutch sources. Its representation of the surface of the moon is taken from Hevelius' chart of the moon first published in 1647. The folio that made up the Atlas Maritimus was completely composite in make-up, being assembled according to the wish of the individual purchaser rather than to a standard format, although built round a standard core. References: Phillips, P.L. Atlases, 487; Shirley, R.W. Mapping of the world, 460, plate 12; Ashley Baynton-Williamshttp://www.mapforum…(Feb. 2004) The Cambridge History of the Book in Britain, Hellinga, Francis McKenzie, Barnard, Burney Trapp V.4.CambridgeUniversity Press, 2002