London 1710   

Probably the most decorative wallmap of Africa after 1700  -  Two examples in attractive original color :
To the Right Honourable Charles Earl of Peterborow, and Monmouth, &c. This Map of Africa According to Ye Newest and most Exact Observations is most Humbly Dedicated by your Lordship's most Humble Servant H.Mol 

Original copperplate printed maps: 
Two Sheets:  56.5 x 95 cm (total)
Map #AAF-171  $5,500 (in mint condition; two sheets)
 

Map #AAF-171
Click Below for High Resolution Image of :
Western/Left Sheet                 Eastern/Right Sheet

 
This large map of Africa in attractive original color is probably the most decorative and beautiful map of Africa after 1700.  The map contains inset maps of "Cape Coast Castle on the Gold Coast of Guinea", "James Fort on the island of St. Helena", and a plan of "Fort of Good Hope" on the lower left.  On the lower right is an inset of a view of the Cape of Good Hope, "A Prospect of the Cape of Good Hope".  The elaborate title cartouche at the top right is topped by the coat of arms of the Earl of Peterborow.

The winds directions are indicated on the oceans as well as a route from England to the east ("This tract shows a good course of sailing from Great Britain to the East Indies in the Spring and Fall").  Numerous placenames and text legends in English are placed throughout the map.  The Dutch-controlled "Fort of Good Hope" is marked at the Cape along with the Hottentot tribes and various geographic features: Saladanha Bay, Robin Island. Monomotapa, Vigiti Magna, and Zimbaoe also appear on the map.  The Portuguese forts on the Zambezi River of Sena and Tete are shown.  Also depicted are the "Gold Mines" around Great Zimbabwe.  In West Africa, the various forts on the Guinea coast (divided into the Grain, Ivory, Gold, and Slave coasts) are identified.  English notation throughout the map.

Moll (c.1654-1732) was a geographer, mapmaker, and an engraver originally from Germany.  It is thought that Moll emigrated to England in 1678 via The Netherlands. He was initially employed as an engraver in London, but in 1695 became much more involved in atlas production.  Moll is somewhat traditional in his depiction of Africa.  He still shows the two interior lakes in southern Africa, but, conforming with the French view, acknowledges the Nile source in the Abyssinia highlands. 

This map proved extremely popular in its day and was re-issued.  The printer's imprint to the east of South Africa at the bottom of the right sheet provides information as to when the map was printed.  In Map #AFS-105, printers imprint as follows:  "Printed for H. Moll... D. Midwinter...Tho. Bowles, Print and Mapseller next to the Chapter House in St Paul's Church Yard by Philip Overton Map and Printseller near Dunstan's Church, Fleet Street."  This suggests a date of between 1710 and before 1725.  In Map #AAF-171, printer's imprint as follows:  Printed for In° Bowles, Print and Map Seller at the Black Horse in Cornhill. Tho. Bowles, Print and Map Seller next to the Chapter House in St. Paul's Church yard by Philip Overton, Map and Print seller ... and by John King at ye Globe in ye Poultry. This suggests a date after 1732.

Tooley, Maps of Africa, p 77-78, plate 59.   Norwich, Map #67.  Johannesburg Public Library Exhibition, page 57, number 53.

In two sheets, unjoined (which can joined to form one large wallmap).  In absolutely Mint Condition!   Wide, complete margins.  Beautiful, full original color.  A unique example.