1650 Ephraim Vitula est Edocta, Amans Triturare - Land of Ephraim
By: Thomas Fuller
Date: 1650 (Published) London
Dimensions: 11 x 13.5 inches (28 x 34.4 cm)
This striking map of the Holy Land is one of a series from the monumental opus of Thomas Fuller, an atlas entitled Pisgah-Sight of Palestine and the confines thereof, with the History of the Old and New Testament acted thereon. The atlas was published in English and is often referred to as the first true Biblical atlas. Pisgah refers to Mount Pisgah, the mountain in the Bible from which Moses saw the Promised Land for the first time. The map covers the territory of the Tribe of Ephraim in central Palestine, between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea.
Myriad intricate, highly detailed vignettes represent biblical and historical events such as the conquest of the city of Tirzah by Joshua and the later burning of its palace by Zimri. To the east and slightly south of the city Deborah is depicted sitting under ‘The Palm of Deborah’, meting out justice and guidance.
Sepulchres of some biblical figures are shown throughout the region including those of Joseph, Eleazar, and Samuel. A great battle in the mountains of Samaria suggests the Assyrian invasion of Samaria as described in the Bible. The city of Samaria, built on a hill by Omri the father of Ahab is shown in detail. Cities, villages, temples and fortifications are deatialed in the map.
The map is filled with numerous other biblical illustrations and is adorned with the elaborate coat of arms of Guulielmo Crane (William Crane), a sponsor of Fuller’s, and a dedication to Crane.
Thomas Fuller (1608-1661) was an English historian, clergyman, and writer who produced many works in addition to his Biblical atlas entitled Pisgah-Sight of Palestine and the confines thereof, with the History of the Old and New Testament acted thereon, including The Church -History of Britain (1655) and Worthies of England (1662).
His works are known for their use of original sources and antiquarian information. The Church-History of Britain included the first detailed account of the decades before the civil wars. Worthies of England was the first biographical dictionary in English and included a catalog of the notable features of every county in England.
Fuller was a prolific author and one of the first English writers to earn a living from his writing. He was a chaplain to the Royalist army during the fighting, and later became a friend of Izaak Walton, another leading biographer.
Condition: This map on hand laid watermarked paper is in B condition with printer’s creases in the top margin and top portions of map image. Uneven toning, damp staining in lower center.
Inventory #12933
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