Price: £580.00
Title: 'Map of South America, according to the Newest and most exact observations ...' "To the Right Honourable Charles Earl of Sunderland, and Baron Spencer of Wormleighton, one of Her Majesty's Principal Secretaris of State, &c.". From 'The World described'. The elaborate cartouche designed by Bernard Lens and engraved by George Vertue is balanced by a large (8 x 10) inset view of Potosi with a note about the mining operations there. The caption at Juan Fernandez Island relates Alexander Selkirk's rescue by Dampier on Feb. 2, 1709 – Selkirk being the inspiration for Defoe's Robinson Crusoe. Moll rails against competitors – "ignorant Pretenders, who most falsely and impudently assume ye titles of ye Queen's Geographers...and to deceive mankind have dedicated [these maps] to Dr. Halley..." He also points out their errors: "every body may easily judge what a Dangerous consequence the maps may produce if ever they Should be us'd at Sea..." In fair condition with a small chip at the top center margin, as shown. There are several rip repairs in the margin, below the right hand cartouch. Seam above the lady, has about a 12" repair as shown. Original coloring, again just the outline of the countries, some staining in the lower left, below POTOTOSI. There is also a heavy ink line on the top of this inset.
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