A fine sixteenth century world map from Peter Apian’s ‘Cosmographie’. The book was first published in 1524 and from 1544 it contained a version of this world map. It is supposedly derived from a now lost Gemma Frisius world map of 1540. His original version was said to have been dedicated to Emperor Charles V, his figure can be seen right of centre near the top. The continents are according to Shirley based on Gerard Mercator’s globe gores of 1541. A slim North America is shown labelled ‘Baccalearium’ in reference to the cod fishing regions off the coasts of New England and Canada. The world is depicted in a cordiform projection and depicts a distinct northern passage to Asia over the north of North America. There are few geographical features, a notable one are the prominent twin lakes shown as the source of the Nile in Africa. The right hand border of the map contains the signs of the zodiac. The whole is set within a background of largely mythical figures and windheads. Those blowing from the south are shown as ‘ill’ winds. This is an example from the second of three woodblocks, issued with Latin and Dutch text. This is an original and differs from the counterfeit map cited by Shirley. Provenance: W. Graham Arader; private English collection. Shirley 96.