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Description

Early example of Homann's first map of Asia, extending from the Mediterranean to the Pacific and including parts of Nova Hollandia, Carpentaria, Nova Britannia and the Marianas, along with a nice incomplete version of the mythical Compagnie Land, north of Japan. Includes privilege.

This edition of the map includes an ornate second cartouche in the upper right corner of the map. In later editions, the cartouche is removed and the coastal features above Japan along the NE Coast of Asia are significantly revised. There are also small changes in the mapping of Carpentaria.

Dampier's passage north of Carpentaria is noted, along with Arnham's Land and Vay van Diemen on the continent of Nova Hollandia. Nova Britannia appears as having been detected by William Dampier in 1700. Several place names appear in Carpentaria. Interesting projections of Japan and Corea, which appears as a long thin peninsula. Some Incognita (unknown) lands still appear in the Arctic Circle.

Condition Description
Minor discoloration at centerfold
Johann Baptist Homann Biography

Johann Baptist Homann (1663-1724) was a mapmaker who founded the famous Homann Heirs publishing company. He lived his entire life in Bavaria, particularly in Nuremberg. Initially, Johann trained to become a priest before converting to Protestantism and working as a notary.

In 1702, Johann founded a publishing house that specialized in engravings. The firm flourished, becoming the leading map publisher in Germany and an important entity in the European map market. In 1715, Johann was named Imperial Geographer to the Holy Roman Empire by Charles VI and made a member of the Prussian Academy of Sciences. Most importantly for his business, his reputation and contacts gained him imperial printing privileges which protected his publications and recommended him to customers. Johann is best known for this Grosser Atlas ueber die ganze Welt, or the Grand Atlas of the World, published in 1716.

After Johann died in 1724, the business passed to his son, Christoph (1703-1730). Upon Christoph’s early death, the company passed to subsequent heirs, with the name of the company changing to Homann Erben, or Homann Heirs. The firm continued in business until 1848.