Mercator’s famous map of the North Pole

The first map of the Arctic Circle, with both the North Pole and Magnetic North depicted as rocky islands. Mercator has included the latest voyages in search of the North West and North East Passages, marking the discoveries of Frobisher and Davis around Greenland. Within the roundels of the decorative borders are maps of the Shetlands, Faeroes and the mythical island of Friesland. This second state (post-1606) improves the outline of Nova Zembla, making it one island, and has one of the polar islands receding to allow the inclusion of Spitzbergen. A classic decorative map in fine original colour.