Maffei Historiarum Indicarum

MAFFEI, Giovanni Pietro.
Historiarum Indicarum libri XVI.
Cologne: Officina Birckmannica, sumptibus Arnoldi Myli, 1593.
12" x 7 1/2".

Comparable: Zisska and Kistner, 2004 - EU 5,750.
Folio. Fine engraved double-page and folding world map "Indiarum orientalium occidentaliumque descriptio" tipped-in (possibly supplied) before the first blank, wood-engraved publisher's device on title-page, head-and tail-pieces and initials; title-page close cropped along the top edge affecting an early inscription, some light spotting throughout. 18th-century calf, the spine gilt decorated in seven compartments with six raised bands; extremities rubbed. Second Cologne edition, preceded by an edition of 1589, and first published in Florence without the rare world map in 1588. THIS CELEBRATED MAP IS A COPY OF ORTELIUS'S 1570 WORLD MAP with a new title placed over the northern parts and with strapwork in the corners. An early edition of the Jesuit Maffeii's classical work, assembled from primary sources, on early Portuguese discoveries in the Americas (particularly Brazil), and the East Indies, including much on India and Japan. REFERENCES: Alden 589.39; Sabin 43770; Shirley 166.