This is the first book produced by the publishing house of Blaeu, heralding the golden age of Dutch atlas production. Only a handful of examples are extant. ‘It is one of the most important Dutch pilot-guides rivalling and surpassing the ‘Thresoor der Zeevaerdt’ of Lucas Waghenaer which was first published some sixteen years earlier and ceased with the issue of the ninth edition one year later in 1609′ (Wardington Catalogue). The present copy is remarkable for its inclusion of an additional double-page chart of Cuba. Originally, it had been Blaeu’s intention to expand his work to cover other regions including the West Indies, but this was not carried out. The map of Cuba seem to be the only recorded map from this projected chart book.

‘Het Licht der Zee-vaert’ is of considerable rarity: no copies are recorded in ABPC, and we have located only eight copies around the world, most of which are in poor condition or incomplete. Provenance: Sotheby’s 18 October 2005 lot 49. Koeman IV M.Bl 1.