A map of the NORTHPOLE and the parts adioining, 1680, Pitt Moses

Pitt Moses, 1639-1697

Published by Pitt Moses, 1639-1697

About this Item

A map of the NORTHPOLE and the parts adioining, 1680, Pitt Moses Attractive English map of the North Pole and Arctic regions. The map combines some out-dated cartography with a solid view of Hudson and Baffin bays. In Canada the unusual three-island configuration of northern Labrador is derived in part from Sanson's map of 1656. Pitt includes the mythical island of Freesland complete with several place names and Forbishers Strait bisects the southern tip of Greenland. Cartographically the map is notable for the small inset map of Nova Zembla with an explanation that new information had arrived from Russia indicating that it was joined to the mainland instead of being an island as shown on the main map. The cartouche emphasizes the importance of whaling in the region with whaling scenes, walruses, narwhales and Eskimos in their kayaks. A magnificent coat of arms dedicates the map to Charles Fitz Charles, Earl of Plymouth. Size of the sheet: 58x67 cm., printed on thick paper, wide margins, only small tears on margins and only little fingerstained. This is the only original work prepared by Pitt for his ill-fated and uncompleted atlas. It was likely engraved by Michael Burghers, a Dutch emigrant who became the official engraver to the University of Oxford. The atlas was projected to be a 12 volume work in the tradition of the earlier Dutch atlases and was to use updated copperplates belonging to Johannes Jansson van Waesberge, son-in-law and heir of Jan Jansson. Only 4 volumes were completed before the venture failed and Pitt was thrown into debtor's prison. Seller Inventory # 9234

Bibliographic Details

Title: A map of the NORTHPOLE and the parts ...

Publisher: Pitt Moses, 1639-1697

Binding: Hardcover

Condition: very good