Hermann Moll: 1725 World Map

Early circa 1725 color double hemisphere map entitled “A New Map of the World according to the New Observations by H. Moll Geographer,” 13.75 x 8.75, which shows the globe in the early days of the Age of Enlightenment and European imperialism. This fascinating global perspective depicts the latest state of knowledge of the world in the first quarter of the 18th century. The delineation of Europe, South America, and southern Asia is quite sophisticated, and the American West is largely conjectural, featuring California as an island, the most beloved of cartographic misconceptions. New Zealand is pictured as is New Holland, a historical European name for mainland Australia. This map was intended to satiate the intense English interest in maritime exploration and commerce. In fine condition.