[Untitled World Map], Andreas Walsperger, 1448, manuscript on vellum. Reproduced by Belvedere Press. 71x59cm. (19 W. 36th St., New York, N.Y 10018, $75)

This is one of a set of three quality reproductions.  The others are both Mediterranean sea charts, one by Iehuda Ben Zara (1497), the other by Andrea Benincasa (1508). These are six-color reproductions with-added gold leaf as appropriate.  The printing is of the highest quality on both sides of a material that is said to approximate the texture of the original animal skin.  The edges are trimmed to correspond to the original document.  The only major aspect not reproduced, fortunately, are tears and wormholes, though I suppose the buyer with a compulsive interest in accuracy could easily add these. The maps are attractive, and though probably intended for purchase by research libraries, might also be of interest to collectors interested in maps of this period, or to someone just interested in a pretty map for display.  An illustrated brochure is available from the publisher.

David C. Jolly, 1988