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Large, English Map of Spain
Spain.
MOLL, H. [London, 1711]
A New and Exact Map of Spain and Portugal Divided into its Kingdoms and Principalities...
23 1/2 x 38 1/2 inches.
Original outline color; excellent condition.
Large, English map of Spain, Portugal, Majorca, Minorca and Ibiza. In addition to the detailed treatment of Spain and Portugal's cities, towns, rivers and mountains, the map indicates the "Places where battles &c have been fought by the English mentioned in History." Notable among these are naval engagements at Port Maon, Majorca, and Gibraltar; the combined English and Austrian victory over the Spanish at Saragossa in 1710 is so marked as well.
The map is embellished with a rich cartouche and an attractive dedication to John Campbell, Duke of Argyle, "General of Her Majesty's Forces in Spain." (Campbell was indeed sent to Spain to replace the duke of Marlborough in 1711. But as parliament neglected to send him any of the money necessary to supply his disorganized and impoverished army, it was not long before the "General of Her Majesty's Forces in Spain" was compelled to return to England without having achieved anything.)
The map includes a typically acerbic screed by Moll against his competitors: "Among all ye Cheats that ye World are dayly abus'd with, none have lately been more Scandalous than that of Maps." He singles out a "Map of Spain in 9 sheets, lately publish'd as a new Draught tho it is at least 70 years old," which he then describes in detail, that it might not be purchased and used by the unwitting.
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