TAVERNIER, M. / SANSON, N. - Carte des rivieres de la France curieusement recherchee. . .

An early imprint of this fine map showing the rivers of France, prepared by Nicolas Sanson (1600-1667).This edition carries the date 1641 and was published by Melchior Tavernier.
Nicolas Sanson was to bring about the rise of French cartography, although the fierce competition of the Dutch would last until the end of the century. His success was partly owing to the partnership with the publisher Pierre Mariette. In 1644 the latter had purchased the business of Melchior Tavernier, and helped Sanson with financial support in producing the maps.
Melchior Tavenier was the most important map seller and publisher in Paris in the first half of the 17th century.

The map may also bee seen as a cartographical curiosity. The map only mentions the names of the rivers and importantly locates the places where the rivers can be crossed. More about cartographical curiosities [+]