MERCATOR, R. - Orbis Terrae Compendiosa Descriptio.

Gerard Mercator's great world map of 1569 was condensed into double hemispherical form by his son Rumold. It first appeared in 1587 and was incorporated into his long-lived and influential Atlas from 1595 to 1602.

A smaller version of Gerard Mercator's (the Elder) large double-hemisphere map, with some changes- it is the original map that was used in the early Mercator's full folio atlases. Text on verso.

The engraving is a model of clarity and neatness, with typical cursive flourishes to the lettering of the sea names. Surrounding the hemispheres is a strapwork border; between them at the top is an armillary sphere and at the bottom an elaborate compass rose.