Rare Book Monthly

Book Catalogue Reviews - June - 2009 Issue

Martayan Lan Offering a Collection of Early Maps

Martayan Lan is offering a major private collection of maps.

Martayan Lan is offering a major private collection of maps.


By Michael Stillman

Martayan Lan has issued a foldout pamphlet that serves as an announcement that they are offering an important collection of maps, atlases, and books containing maps. It is not stated who assembled this collection, but it obviously belonged to a very serious and substantial collector. It is simply described as An Important Private Collection of Early World and Americas Maps and Atlases. Some of the pieces within this group of 30 items are as follows:

The 1507 Ruysch world map, the earliest obtainable map to show America.

The "ultra rare" 1597 Wytfliet Atlas, the first of the Americas.

The 1520 Apianus world map, the earliest obtainable with the name "America" employed.

An exceptional copy of Munster's 1592 Cosmographia.

A 1493 Nuremberg Chronicle with the European map in original color.

De Jode's 1593 double polar projection map.

The 1472 Isidore of Seville first printed world map.

A 1781 issue of Albrecht Durer's 1515 world map.

The Hondius-Drake broadside world map of 1595.

Martayan Lan notes that they are in the process of creating a complete catalogue of the collection. However, until that is completed, the collection is only available as a complete unit. For more details, pricing, and an appointment to view the collection, you should contact Martayan Lan at 212-308-0018 or info@martayanlan.com.

You will find many of Martayan Lan's books and maps listed in "Books For Sale" on this site.

Rare Book Monthly

  • Sotheby’s
    Year in Review
    Sotheby’s Year in Review: A Rare Hebrew Bible with Micrographic Masorah. Sold: 1,514,000 USD
    Sotheby’s Year in Review: "The Freedman's Primer.” Sold: 241,300 USD
    Sotheby’s Year in Review: Smith, William. "The Map that Changed the World." Sold: 139,700 USD
    Sotheby’s Year in Review: Psalter, C13th. Illuminated Psalter. Sold: 330,200 GBP
    Sotheby’s Year in Review: Lincoln, Abraham. The abolition of slavery. Sold: 13,697,500 USD
    Sotheby’s Year in Review: Vergilius. Opera, Venice, Aldo Manuzio, 1501. Sold: 1,041,400 USD
  • Rare Book Hub is now mobile-friendly!

Review Search

Archived Reviews