"Canibales Insulae (D'Eylanden Canibales)"

The most expensive book published in the 17th century was an eleven volume atlas entitled Atlas Major produced between 1662-72.  This work contained over six hundred double page maps with three thousand pages of text produced by the Blaeu family of Amsterdam. This dynasty of Dutch cartographers beginning with Wilhelm (1517-1638), Johannes (1596-1673) and Cornelis (d.1642) is recognized for creating the most elaborate, accurate and detailed set of maps documenting the then known world. Dutch mastery of the Atlantic and Caribbean oceans was undisputed in the 17th century and had a major impact upon European colonial positions in North America. The tropical islands of the Caribbean were highly valued as plantations and settlements by the English, French and Dutch, all of whom jostled for footholds on continental Spanish tropical America. The Caribbean waters were heavily traveled between the Dutch sugar trade, slave ships from Africa, Spanish treasure fleets from Mexico and Peru, and English and French colonies in North America. Accurate and detailed maps of the waters were necessary. Blaeu's map of the Caribbean shows west to the top and north to the right with good descriptions of the Windward and Leeward islands. It is unusual in its lack of ornamentation as Blaeu maps are known for their beautiful cartouches and decorative elements, however as a practical navigational chart it is unmatched.

22 1/4 x 25 3/4" inch sheet size.
Copperplate engraving with original outline color. Clean and crisp impression full untrimmed margins in excellent condition. Excellent condition.