Collecting Antique Maps - Reference Library - Arabia in Early Maps

I mentioned a couple of weeks back I'd start to highlight some of the excellent reference works that have crossed my path. They continue to provide a wealth of information helping to understand, contextualise, and interpret the maps focused on.  If you're new to collecting I recommend developing a reference library geared towards your subject of interest.  The benefits are many and the knowledge you gain will help you with the decision making process when it comes to future investments for your map collection.
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​Above: Arabia in Early Maps by Tibbetts, G R.  Publisher: Falcon Oleander, Cambridge, 1978. Size: 10" x 8.5" (255mm x 215mm). Hardcover.

​This is a bibliography of maps covering the Peninsula of Arabia printed in western Europe from the invention of printing to the year 1751.  Arabia in Early Maps begins with the invention of printing and the production of maps to illustrate Ptolemy's Geography and ends in 1751 with D' Anville's famous map of Asia. It was the production of D'Anville's map which emphasised to the West its ignorance of inland Arabia and led ultimately to the first Scientific expedition to Arabia (that of Niebuhr in 1761-4) and the opening of European interest in the Peninsula.

If you're new to collecting antique maps you've probably realised the need for a reference library.  These books are a critical resource when it comes to understanding about maps and learning about your subject of interest.  If Arabia is your thing . . .

More info on Arabia in Early Maps by Tibbetts, G R. can be found HERE

Happy Reference Book Hunting!