The mariner's mirror
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'The Mariners Mirrour' is an English translation by Anthony Ashley of Spieghel der Zeevaerdt by Lucas Janszoon Waghenaer, printed in Leiden in 1584. Waghenaer was a Dutch seafarer and cartographer who created one of the earliest printed atlas and sea charts for Europe. The volume contains 44 coastal profiles which were invaluable to sailors visiting areas for the first time.
As well as marking the sailing routes they are highly artistic and include engravings of ships and sea monsters. This page, showing part of the north coast of England, is currently on display in the Library of Cultures exhibition. If you look closely you can spot Robin Hoods Bay, Whitby, Hartlepool and, at the top of the second inlet, Newcastle complete with a small image of a castle.
Reference: The Mariner’s Mirror, 1588 (F094/1588)
You can continue to explore some of our rarest and most valuable items in the Treasures of the Library gallery.
