Cornell University Library Digital Collections

Polyglot Maps of the Continents

Title:
Polyglot Maps of the Continents
Full Title:
Asia Polyglotta, Linguarum Genealogiam cum Literis, scribundique Modis exhibens| Europa Polyglotta, Linguarum Genealogiam exhibens, una cum Literis, scribendique modis, omnium gentium| Africa Polyglotta Scribendi Modos Gentium exhibens| America cum Supplementis Polyglottis
Collection:
Persuasive Maps: PJ Mode Collection
Creator(s):
Hensel, Gottfried.
Other Creator(s):
Dorn, S
Homann Erben (Firm)
Date:
1741
Date posted:
2015-08-25
ID Number:
1022.01
Identifier:
PJM_1022_01.jpg
Subject:
Religion
Other Moral & Social
Extent:
(cm, H x W) each map 16 x 21
Collector's Notes:
"The earliest linguistic maps of the four continents. Where he can, Hensel translates the first few words of the Lord’s Prayer (“Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name”) into local languages. Elsewhere, as in America and Africa, he notes human migrations. In Brazil, for example, evidence suggests, he says, that the first humans there came from Africa. In the box at the bottom right of Africa, he states that the map colors mark areas settled by descendants of the three sons of Noah: Japhet ('rubicundi,' here pink), Shem ('oriundos,' here yellow-orange), and Ham ('virides,' here olive green). Along the sides and at the bottom of the four maps are alphabet tables that cover most known written languages." (Delaney 2012, 193). One of the first thematic maps to address a subject other than natural history|Hensel's maps "may be the first to use color to distinguish areas on a thematic map." (Robinson 1982, 55|see also ibid. 131-32).
Note:
For further information on the Collector’s Notes and a Feedback/Contact Link, see https://persuasivemaps.library.cornell.edu/content/about-collection-personal-statement and https://persuasivemaps.library.cornell.edu/content/feedback-and-contact
Source:
Hensel, Gottfried, Synopsis Universae Philologiae . . . (Nuremberg: Homann, 1741).
References:
For full details on references, see http://persuasivemaps.library.cornell.edu/content/references.
Rights:
For important information about copyright and use, see http://persuasivemaps.library.cornell.edu/copyright.

About the collection

This is a collection of “persuasive” cartography: maps intended primarily to influence the opinion of the viewer -- to send a message -- rather than to communicate geographic information. The collection reflects a variety of persuasive tools: allegorical, satirical and pictorial mapping; selective inclusion or exclusion; unusual projections, graphics and text; and intentional deception. Maps in the collection address a wide range of messages: religious, political, military, commercial, moral and social.