• 1736
• Cartographic Map
• Exhibit map
• Project link

Original Publication Title: Atlas minor: or a new and curious set of sixty-two maps, in which are shewn all the empires, kingdoms, countries, states, in all the known parts of the earth; with their bounds, divisions, chief cities & towns, the whole composed & laid down agreeable to modern history. By Herman Moll, Geographer. (3rd ed.) London, Printed for Thos. Bowles in St. Pauls Church Yard & John Bowles at the Black Horse in Cornhill (1736).

At the turn of the 17th century, Herman Moll was the most famous map publisher in England. He was also the first cartographer to create an elegant map of England that correctly portrayed its shape. His style combined time-consuming embellishment with blunt, clear lettering to highlight important information.

Moll prided himself on his work and would attack mapmakers who republished preexisting maps under new titles without investigating if their maps were accurate or, even worse, potentially fatal by leaving out known depths of water or sands.

This map is a hand-colored, engraved double-hemisphere of the whole world, featuring California as an island, a popular misconception at the time. The continents are represented by 12 allegorical figures surrounded by plants native to these lands and a lion who observes it all. The long note at the top left discusses the trade winds indicated by arrows throughout the map. The original map is 21 cm high by 27 cm wide.

Description of Unique Features: This map illustrates Moll's excellent engraving and notation skills. He had strong opinions about titling and frequently used this opportunity to assert the reliability of his work.

Visual Perception or Design Principles Applied: Placing two hemispheres next to each other in order to see both sides of the world at the same time.

Cognitive Principles or Metaphors Employed: Moll's maps speak a cartographic language through the creation of social and territorial spaces. His maps go beyond topography and geography to make statements about hierarchy, power, and to endorse his preferred ideas of progress and commerce.

Spatial Layout Techniques Applied: Nearly all the detailed maps of up to 1750 are derived from the work of three main mapmakers: Timothy Pont in the late 16th century, Robert Gordon in the mid-17th century, and John Adair in the late 17th century. The original survey work of Pont (and secondarily Gordon) was behind the magnificent county maps in the first atlas of Scotland by Joan Blaeu in 1654, and these maps, with some updated information from Adair and other.