Nova Isthmi Americani qui et Panamiensis item Dariensis, Tabula, in qua Urbes Portobello, Panama et Carthagena<BR>

Copper engraving, mm 410x535, original colour. Very good condition with minor foxing at centrefold.<BR>This is a superb map of the Lesser Antilles covering the islands from Guadeloupe to Grenada. The map was based on Delisle's map of the region as evidenced by its depiction of Grenada up-side-down. A large inset map provides excellent detail of Martinique showing the island divided between the French colonial settlements and the Barbari Habitant. Apart from topographical information, there are some notes of historic interest. According to the map tens of thousands live on Martinique ("Matanino as the locals call it and occupied by the French since July 1635") and its tobacco is of the best quality. La Désiderade island was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493 on his second journey to America. "The island of Guadeloupe, called Carukeira [The Island of Beautiful Waters] by the locals, is very fertile with rice, maize, potatoes, ginger and sugar of different qualities. It is crowded with all types of parrots." The island of Barbados has been occupied by the English in 1627. "St. Vincent, where the Caribs live, is most populated." The map bears the imprint of the Widow of Josua Ottens to the left of the main cartouche.<BR>Joachim Ottens (1663 - 1719) and his sons Renier and Joshua were prominent Dutch booksellers and map publishers from about 1680 to 1790. Joachim, the founder of the firm, was initially employed as a copperplate engraver by Frederick de Wit. In 1711 Joachim founded his own firm. Though Joachim died only a few years later, his sons Renier and Joshua took over the firm and presided over its most prolific period.<BR>