Cape of Good Hope, South Africa.

Mallet, Allain Manesson. " Cap de Bonne Esperance". Paris. Thierry. Denys. 1683
Copper engraved view of Table Mountain with an inset of the fort at the foot, Cape of Good Hope. South Africa from Mallet's "Description de l'Univers" 1st edition. Birds eye view of St Helena to verso. Dark impressions.

Allain Manesson Mallet 1630- 1706, French cartographer, engineer and mathematician, served in the army of Louis XIV, and also that of the King of Portugal later becoming Inspector of Fortifications to Louis. He published the "Description de l'Univers" in 1683, attempting to describe the cartography, towns, ports, people, habits and traditions of the known world. The work extended to 5 volumes with some 600 illustrations.
His other works were"Les Travaux de Mars, ou L'art de la Guerre" 1684, and "La geometerie Practique" 1702.
149 by 105mm (5¾ by 4¼ inches).   ref: 1176  €50