We take detailed and accurate maps of all parts of the world for granted today and it can be difficult to appreciate just how important and valuable they once were. The 17th century was a time when the sea faring nations of Europe were competing for control over the continent of South America.

This map and chart were in an atlas that was captured by English pirates from a Spanish ship in 1680. Besides the coast-line maps there were charts for individual ports that enabled the sailing ships to avoid the shallows and rocks as they made their way in. There are 165 maps and charts in this volume altogether. It is believed this was the only detailed map of this coastline that existed at the time and it was therefore of tremendous value.