Large two sheet map of Europe, including the latest early 18th century geo-political development brought about by the War of the Spanish Succession.

The engraving date on this map is shown as 1708 on the lower left corner but its inclusion in “The World Described” began from c.1715 onwards. The portrait on the cartouche is of Queen Caroline of Great Britain, formerly Caroline of Ansbach but now wife to King George II. She ascended the throne in 1727, suggesting revision after this date. The cartouche also bears allegorical figures representing the continents. The map is based on Guillaume de L’Isle’s map of the continent of the same period. However, with its grander scale, it is easier to discern the size of the Empire of Poland before its partitions, the Ottoman possessions in Europe, as well as the grandeur of the Russian Empire.

The small inset on the lower right illustrates Peter the Great’s failed attempt to dig a canal joining the Volga and Don Rivers, hence connecting the Black and Caspian Seas. Although Peter the Great’s attempt was not successful, the canal was finally dug in the mid-20th century and further discussions are currently being held to either augment this existing canal or to initiate another project named the Eurasia Canal which would serve the same purpose.

The issue date of this example of the map is after 1727, due to the presence of the portrait of Queen Caroline; the addition of several publisher’s names on the lower left corner dates it to c.1730. Original colour. [EUR1535]