unbound
1683 · Paris
by MANESSON-MALLET, Allain
Paris: Denys Thierry, 1683. unbound. Miniature map. Copper plate engraving with hand coloring. Image measures 5 5/8" x 4 1/8". Sheet measures 8 1/4" x 5 1/4". Paris: Denys Thierry, (1683). This lovely miniature map of the Middle East is from the original French edition of Manesson-Mallet's "Description de L'Univers." The map depicts the region between the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea, and Caspian Sea, showing Turkey, Syria, Armenia, Albania, Georgia, Crimea, parts of Russia, and Egypt. Rivers and mountains are labeled. The map is in good condition with faint foxing to margins, not affecting the image. Text on verso. Allain Manesson-Mallet (1630-1706) advanced from his position of musket bearer under Louis XIV to eventually occupy the position of "maitre de mathematiques" to the French King. He was the author and engraver of "Description de L'Univers," a five-volume survey of the world that included maps of the ancient and modern world, star maps, illustrations of flora and fauna, and information on the customs, religion and government of the many nations included in the text. When it was published, the text was the largest and most comprehensive work of its type. Intended to entertain its readers, Mallet's "Description" was a time capsule of the 17th-century world that captured and displayed it in all its splendor. (Inventory #: 302607)