This set of maps covers the Western Mediterranean, Holy Land, and near Middle East. The maps are labeled with manuscript notations on verso, as indicated below, and are bound together at the centerfold without covers but with a paper label on front that states "Printed at the Theater in Oxford. 1713." The first four maps are adaptations of earlier plates by Joseph Moxon, and the first three maps also include an imprint of mapseller John Bowles.

A. Paradise, or the Garden of Eden, with the Countries Circumjacent Inhabited by the Patriarchs (18.4 x 12.4"). An attractive and uncommon map of the Middle East, including Cyprus, a portion of the Persian Gulf and the north shore of the Red Sea filled with details of Old Testament locations, including Babel and Nineveh. At top left is a coat of arms with a dedication to Henry Compton, Bishop of London. A vignette of Adam and Eve's expulsion from the Garden of Eden fills the top right corner. With manuscript notation on verso: "Scene of Patriarchal History."

B. Israels Perigrination, or the Forty Years Travels of the Children of Israel out of Egypt, Through the Red Sea... (18.4 x 12.4"). This map of the Holy Land is oriented to the west and depicts the flight from Egypt and the wanderings of the Children of Israel. The map is decorated with a strapwork title cartouche, ships sailing in both the Mediterranean and Red Seas, numerous putti, several engravings of religious icons, Moses and Aaron flanking an inset of the encampment of the Tribes, and a charming scene of Jonas and the whale. At top center is a coat of arms with a dedication to James Butler, Second Duke of Ormonde. Miniature maps of Holy Island and the Farne Islands have been pasted below the map. With manuscript notation on verso: "Israelites Travells."

C. Canaan, or the Land of Promise. Possessed by the Children of Israel: and Travelled Through by our Saviour Jesus Christ; and His Apostles (18.3 x 12.3"). This fine map of present-day Israel is oriented with north to the right. There is a large, decorative title cartouche at bottom flanked by vignettes depicting the life of Christ. At top, putti hold banners with the key to the map and scale of miles. Tiny ships and the track of Apostle Paul are shown in the sea. At top center is a coat of arms with a dedication to Gilbert Burnet, Lord Bishop of Salisbury. With manuscript notation on verso: "Land of Promise possessed by Israel."

D. The Travels of St. Paul and Other the Apostles... (18.5 x 12.5). This map portrays the Eastern Mediterranean from Rome, through Asia Minor and the Holy Land, to Babylon. Territorial divisions reflect the political conditions of the first century A.D. The route of Apostle Paul is charted from Jerusalem to Rome. The decorative panels at top and bottom show the major events of Paul's journey; each vignette being a composite of two or three episodes. The one at the left of the cartouche shows Paul's conversion, his baptism by Ananias, and finally his daring escape from the city. Other scenes depict the young Paul before his conversion, healing the paralytic, his ship wreck at Malta, and his appearance before Nero. At bottom left is a coat of arms with a dedication to Peter, Bishop of Winchester. With manuscript notation on verso: "Travels of the Apostles."

E. The Land of Canaan Travel'd Over by Our Saviour Jesus Christ and by His Apostles (16.3 x 13.9"). This appears to be an anonymous edition of a similar map by John Senex. Palestine is oriented to the west, with the shoreline extending from Sidon to Gaza. At bottom is a large vignette of the Transfiguration of Christ, flanked by smaller vignettes of the Nativity and the Crucifixation. With manuscript notation on verso: "Judea in our Lords time."

References:

Condition: B

Original outline color on watermarked paper with creasing, some scattered stains, and light soiling.