World Atlas by Mercator himself composed of three copies of his world map

In 1569, Mercator first applied his projection method to a map of the world. The title shows for whom the map was intended: ‘New and extended description of the entire world, improved and modified for use by seafarers’. There are still three original copies of Mercator’s world map. The one at the Maritime Museum in Rotterdam is exceptional, because it is in the form of a nautical atlas. Mercator put it together by cutting and pasting pieces of at least three of his world maps. The dimensions of the atlas in closed condition are (wxh): 35,5 x 47,8 cm.