Details: MOLL, Herman (fl. 1678-1732). A New and Exact Map of France Dividid [sic] into all its provinces and acquisitions, according to the newest observations, and that accurate survey made by the King's command. London: "Sold by H. Moll over against Devereux Court ... D. Midwinter ... P. Overton...and T. Bowles", [no date but 1713-1715]. Copper-engraving, with outline period hand-coloring, on two joined sheets, overall sheet size: 24 3/4 x 39 1/2". Good condition apart from a few small expertly repaired tears.

A fascinating map of the kingdom of France at the beginning of the 18th century

Aside from being a spectacular example of the cartographer's art, Moll's map also includes a great deal of information about the state of France at the time: on the left is an alphabetical list of the 'Principal Towns' with their distance from Paris; to the right: an index with a key to finding the towns and cities on the map; a list of the 'Passes of the Pyrenean Mountains' with a key to aid finding them on the map. In addition, all the major post roads are marked with distances from town to town. The towns themselves have symbols beside them indicating if they are 'parliament Towns', if they have universities, or are the seat of an archbishop or a bishop. Finally 'Places where Battles have been fought by the English, mentioned in History' are marked with a scimitar symbol. The charming title cartouche includes emblematic figures flanking a plinth on which appears the title, with, in the background, labelled images of the 'Observatory at Paris' and the 'Observatory at Greenwich'.

Herman Moll came to London around 1678 from either Holland or Germany. He found work as a cartographical engraver, working for Moses Pitt, among others. By 1688 he had his own shop. Moll had a gift for making interesting friends and these included Daniel Defoe, Jonathan Swift (he provided maps for Robinson Crusoe and for Gulliver's Travels), William Dampier and Woodes Rogers, explorer/buccaneers and Robert Hooke, the scientist.

Condition / Notes:

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