The first issue, engraved by Jean Somer Pruthenus and published by Pierre Mariette.

Nicolas Sanson’s double-hemisphere world map on a polar projection was published in his atlas ‘Les Cartes Generales de Toutes les Parties du Monde’ (1668). It includes some uncertain geography, despite Sanson’s growing reputation for accuracy over embellishment. The ‘Terre Megellanique, Australe, et Incogneue’ is vast, and less well defined than even 

WorldMap). The Pacific Northwest coast of North America remains as open-ended as Sanson’s previous maps ‘Amerique Septentrionale’ (1650) and ‘Mappe-Monde’ (1651). Japan, labelled ‘Terre de Yezo, ou Iesso’, is a long one-sided land, and the depiction of the lands of the Arctic Circle implies a distinct possibility for a northwest passage to and from the Orient.

Nicolas Sanson d'Abbeville (1600–1667), mapmaker to Louis XIV of France, was responsible for a geographical renaissance in France and paved the way for the French School of 

, which came to dominate the map trade by the end of the century. As a young man, Sanson began to make maps to supplement his study of history. A map of Ancient Gaul, made early in his career brought him to the attention of Cardinal Richelieu. This foothold in the French court allowed him to rise to the position of ‘Geographe du Roi’, teaching both Louis XIII and Louis XIV.

His partnership with the publisher Pierre Mariette brought him success beyond the court. In 1644, Mariette purchased the business of Melchior Tavernier and helped Sanson with financial support in producing the maps for his first planned atlas, ‘Les Cartes Generales de Toutes les Parties du Monde’ (1668), the first folio French-published atlas of the world.

In 1665, Sanson was joined in business by his sons Guillaume Sanson and Adrien Sanson. After his death, the firm was continued by his sons, a grandson, and Hubert Jaillot.

Nicolas Sanson d'Abbeville’s map is important in the history of polar mapping. It was one of the first to use this dual-hemisphere format. Previous depictions focused on only one of the poles, whereas Sanson sought to show the extremes at both ends of the earth.

Despite Sanson’s innovative polar projection, his map harbours some interesting cartographical inaccuracies. The ‘Terre Megellanique, Australe, et Incogneue’ is vast, and less well defined than contemporary works; the Pacific Northwest coast of North America remains vague and open-ended; Japan, described as ‘Terre de Yezo, ou Iesso’ is a long one-sided region; and the depiction of the lands of the Arctic Circle implies a distinct possibility for a northwest passage to and from the Orient. 

Nicolas Sanson’s elegant map of the world on a polar projection, which harbours some interesting cartographical myths. First issue, engraved by Jean Somer Pruthenus, and published by Pierre Mariette.

Double-page engraved copperplate double-hemisphere map, on a polar projection, with contemporary hand-colour in outline.

The Two Poles, Arctic or Northern, and Antarctic or Southern,

Les Deux Poles Arctique ou Septentrional, et Antarctique ou Meridional, 

Sanson’s Map of the Poles

or, a description of the lands of the Arctic and Antarctic, and the surrounding countries to 45 degrees latitude. By N. Sanson d'Abbeville, Geographer in ordinary to His Majesty, with a privilege for twenty years

ou description des terres arctiques et antarctiques, et des pays circomvoisins jusques aux 45 degres de latitude. Par N. Sanson d’Abbeville Geographe ord.re du Roy. Avec Privilege pour vingt Ans