MERCATOR, Gerard

Fionia

      Jodocus Hondius, Amsterdam 1636 - Map of the Danish island of Fyn, as well as Langeland and Ærø. English text on back describes the area. From the "Gerardi Mercatoris Atlas sive Cosmographicae" (Mercator-Hondius Atlas). Plate was originally made by Mercator and later added to by Hondius. Some aging around margins and minor chipping to left edge and corners.Mercator (1512-1594) was an accomplished mathematician, cartographer, globe maker and engraver but is best known for the Mercator Projection. Incorporating the newly accepted fact that the world is round, Mercator was able to render longitude lines consistently straight on a chart. Although this requires some distortion, it was of great use for navigators, and is historically important, as it is still the most commonly used projection today. Map. Uncolored engraving. Image measures 14" x 15.75".