­The Andrew McCormick collection contains nearly 200 historical maps and illustrations which document the history of early European maritime exploration, cartographic evolution and settlement in North America. The documents were donated to UBC’s Rare Books and Special Collections by Dr. Andrew Quinn McCormick, a well-respected former faculty member in the Department of Ophthalmology.

Documenting more than three centuries of exploration, these maps offer an intriguing look at what explorers got right, as well as what they got wrong, in their quest to “discover” the New World. Enjoy these relics from the Age of Exploration, and be sure to visit the full collection of Andrew McCormick’s Maps & Prints to view all of these remarkable resources.

An elaborate hand coloured print illustration of two medieval scenes, ca. 1575

An engraved print depicting the conception of North America, Asia, the north Pacific Rim and Arctic, 1772

Engraved map of West Canada, ca. 1851

Engraved map of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, ca. 1851

Map of the Northern Hemisphere, date unknown

Map depicting continents in an unfamiliar configuration, date unknown

The solar system, ca. 1759

Engraved & hand-coloured print with many rarities and interesting geographical features, 1700