This is an extremely decorative large double-hemispheric world map which is filled with information. The first issue of this map was in 1772 and it showed only the first of Captain Cook’s circumnavigations (1769-70). It boasts of England’s prowess in the field of science and exploration. It was produced on a large scale which allows it to display great detail the tracks of explorers. These included Anson (1741-44), Bougainville (1766-69) and of course Cook (1769-70). In this second state dated 1781 in the title the remaining two voyages of Captain Cook are also displayed. The maps cartography is updated reflecting Cook’s discoveries most notably with the addition of the Hawaiian Islands and a legend nearby stating ‘where Capt Cook was killed in February 1779’. The north west coast of America and the nearby coastline of Asia are dramatically improved on the back of Cook and communications with the ‘Academy of Science in Petersburg’. This example is from Robert Sayer’s ‘New General Atlas’ first published in 1773, this example is from an edition dated 1780.

The map is surrounded by scientific and astronomical diagrams including at the top a double-hemispheric depiction of the celestial heavens. Below centre is a large depiction of the lunar surface. This is flanked on the left by a Mercator projection map of the world. The whole is described in detail by extensive text. There are at least three later states of the map all of which bear an anglicised title. Armitage (2012) pp. 90-1; Shirley, R.W. (BL Atlases) T.SAY-2d, 1 & 2.