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From Sebastian Münster's ‘Cosmographia’, this map of Java features illustrations of the ‘Anthropophagi’, a mythical race of cannibals. The book also notes the religion, language, and trade (pepper, nuts, nutmeg, saffron, ginger) of the local people.

This early map of Sumatra (labelled ‘Taprobana’) features many illustrations. In the sea, there are ships, fish and sea monsters, while on land, plantations, agricultural workers, a shepherd and wooden buildings highlight the economy of the island.

This early map of Sumatra (labelled ‘Taprobana’) features many illustrations. In the sea, there are ships, fish and sea monsters, while on land, plantations, agricultural workers, a shepherd and wooden buildings highlight the economy of the island.

This early map of Sumatra (labelled ‘Taprobana’) features many illustrations. In the sea, there are ships, fish and sea monsters, while on land, plantations, agricultural workers, a shepherd and wooden buildings highlight the economy of the island.

This early map of Sumatra (labelled ‘Taprobana’) features many illustrations. In the sea, there are ships, fish and sea monsters, while on land, plantations, agricultural workers, a shepherd and wooden buildings highlight the economy of the island.

This early map of Sumatra—referred to in the accompanying French text as ‘Isle de la Taprobane’—is covered with illustrations of people working on the land, and with elephants and camels. Villages, mountains, rivers and wild animals are also shown.

Map of the Banda Islands from Vicenzo Coronelli's ‘Corso Geografico Universale’, including a volcano on Gunappi (Banda Api), and a military fort on Nera (Banda Neira). Italian text describes the crops, trade, animals and people of the Maluku Islands.

Map of the Meinam (Chao Phraya) river from the city of Juthia (Ayutthaya) to its mouth near Bangkok. Features temples, villages, a Bishop's Palace, a fort at Bangkok, and an ‘Olifanten Veldt [Elephant Field]’.

Map of the Meinam (Chao Phraya) river from the city of Juthia (Ayutthaya) to its mouth near Bangkok. Features temples, villages, a Bishop's Palace, a fort at Bangkok, and an ‘Olifanten Veldt [Elephant Field]’.

Map of the Meinam (Chao Phraya) river from the city of Judia (Ayutthaya) to its mouth near Bangkok. Features temples, villages, a Bishop's Palace, a fort at Bangkok, and a ‘Champ des Eléphans [Elephant Field]’. The text is in French and Dutch.

Map of the Meinam (Chao Phraya) river from the city of Judia (Ayutthaya) to its mouth near Bangkok. Features temples, villages, a Bishop's Palace, a fort at Bangkok, and a ‘Champ des Eléphans [Elephant Field]’. The text is in French and Dutch.

The legend and written notes on this plan of Batavia (Jakarta) provide much detailed information about the important port city in the early 18th century. It is also beautifully decorated with paintings of the city, local people, animals and ships.