A General and Particular Description of America

London: Herman Moll, 1723. unbound. Map. Engraving with hand coloring. Two sheets joined, measures 8 1/2" x 7 1/2".

This fascinating 1723 map of North America and South America by Herman Moll is rich in speculative cartography from the time. The map covers from the Hudson Straits south as far as Tierra del Fuego. Although it features the speculative mapping of New Zealand, and the mapping of Lake Parima and Xarayes in South America, perhaps the most prominent speculation is the presentation of California as an island. This edition has unique hand coloring with blue coloring on land.

Insular California was first mentioned in the (truncated) early 16th century. Although contrary evidence from various explorers was available by the 17th century that California was in fact a peninsula, cartographers remained divided on the subject and California continued to appear on maps as an island.

In South America, Moll maps the legendary Lake Parima and the city of Manoa or the fabled kingdom of El Dorado along its western banks. Following Sir Walter Raleigh's 1595 publication of "The Discoverie of the Large, Rich, and Bewtiful Empyre of Guiana", in which he connected the city of Manoa with El Dorado, European interest in the regain grew considerably in the 17th century and various explorers set out in search of gold in Guiana. The city and the lake would continue to appear on maps until the early 1800s. Another legendary lake - Lake Xarajes, appears a little south of Lake Parima.

The map was published in Moll's "A System of Geography." In good condition with minor wear along folds. Original plate mark is visible.

Of German or Dutch origin, Herman Moll (c. 1654-1732) settled in London in the 1670's where he worked as an engraver for Moses Pitt. By the turn of the century, Moll became the foremost map publisher in England, where he produced Atlases and maps. As an engraver, cartographer, map seller and globe maker he appealed to the public with his unusual views and vignettes. As the demand for his work was sustained, he issued many revised editions of his work. (Inventory #: 328318)