Maps of Africa from seafarers to satellites: a celebration of the addition of the 500,000th and 500,001st maps to the University of Florida Libraries
The George A. Smathers Libraries announce the addition of the 500,000th and 500,001st maps to the Map & Imagery Library, located on the first floor of the Marston Science Library. Both maps are considered cornerstones for any collection of rare African maps. A commemorative ceremony will be held Wednesday, November 30, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in the Map & Imagery Library. The ceremony is free and open to the public.
The two maps, along with other rare and modern African maps, will be on display in the Map & Imagery Library from November 30 through December 7, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The 500,000th map is “Africae described, the manners of their Habits, and Buildings,” by John Speed, 1631-32. It is the first English map of Africa.
The 500,001st map is “Western side of Africa: Typus orarum maritimarum Guinae, Manicongo, & Angolae ultra” by Jan Huygen van Linschoten, Amsterdam, 1596.
