Magnus, Olaus.

Folio (302 x 208mm.), full-page engraved map of Scandinavia, woodcut illustrations, modern vellum over boards, T2 torn and repaired, small tears on 2C3 and 4 and final few leaves (repaired, affecting a few letters)

Censimento 16 CNCE 27290

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Olaus Magnus, sometime archbishop of Uppsala, settled in Rome, living in the Swedish convent of St Birgitta, where in 1539 he produced the highly influential Carta Marina a wall-map of Scandinavia and the North Atlantic. The full-page map in this comprehensive account of the history, personalities, natural history, topography and customs of the Scandinavian countries, is a simplified version of that rare map.

The entertaining woodcuts display, for the period, a remarkably close integration of word and image. Besides iconic depictions of winter sports and hunting on skis, there are many charmingly curious cuts of such scenes as the battle of the pygmies against the cranes, an armoured warrior inflating a rubber ring, werewolves, sea monsters, dancing bears and swarms of killer wasps.