Polar map--De Jode, C.

Shirley, Mapping of the World, 184

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
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a rare map of the world on the twin-hemispherical polar projection.

This unusual map appeared in Cornelis de Jode's 1593 edition of the Speculum, an atlas initiated by his father, Gerard, in 1578. Although Cornelis' world map did not use the cordiform projection preferred by his father, it did employ a similar border scheme of windheads and clouds.

Gerard de Jode was a contemporary - and rival - of Abraham Ortelius. The publication of his original Speculum was subjected to repeated delays in the granting of the royal privilege probably instigated Ortelius himself, who may have used his important connections to ensure that his Theatrum was launched well before de Jode's atlas. In spite of its attractive maps, the Speculum did not sell well, and few copies are recorded. The second edition of the Speculum, revised and enlarged, was started by Gerard de Jode before his death in 1591, and completed by Cornelis, who prepared ten new maps including the present world map, North America, China, Australia and Alaska.