This is one of the largest, finest and most detailed world maps from the 18th century, originally published in 1719 by Herman Moll, the finest English cartographer and mapmaker of the era.
Originally published in four sheets and spanning almost 120cm (50 inches), the level of detail on this map is quite astounding. There are detailed hydrological records showing the ocean currents around the tropics. The routes of contemporary explorers such as Henry Hudson and Thomas James and the circumnavigation by Woodes Rogers.
In the top left a small world map is shown with degrees of compass variation. In the bottom left is an azimuthal view of the North Pole which explorers had started to explore. There is a beautifully detailed cartouche showing elements of both the Old and New Worlds.
Many parts of the world are yet to be explored in this map, such as the US West Coast (California is shown as a mythical island, and there's no Alaska) and the east coast of Australia. The eastern edge of Russia and the island of Hokkaido are looking a bit wonky, too.
All in all, this is one of the greatest maps ever created from any era.
This map looks great at all sizes from 12x18 inches (30x40cm) to 15x24 inches (38x60cm) and beyond. The text is definitely quite small when printed at 12x18 inches. The map looks its best when printed large. I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 4 meters (150in) wide. Please get in touch if you're looking for larger, customised or different framing options.
This map would make a great birthday or Christmas gift for a modern-day explorer/world traveller, or perhaps someone who loves geography, history or chronicles of human endeavour.
You can order the map itself, or you can order a framed version. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that really makes our maps pop out when on a wall. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame, or if you'd like to frame one of the larger maps. We use super-clear
acrylic (perspex/acrylite) in our frames - it's less reflective than glass and better for transport.
This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.
For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.