Old Map of North America, 1719 by Herman Moll - USA, Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, Latin, Atlantic, Pacific - The 'Codfish Map'

This masterpiece map of North America from 1719 was created by Herman Moll, the finest English cartographer and mapmaker of the 18th century. It's sometimes known as the 'Codfish map' as there's a lovely inset engraving showing fishing and processing of cod.

This is one of the earliest and most detailed maps of the whole Atlantic, North America and Pacific regions. It was compiled at an intriguing point of history when most of the middle of the continent was called Louisiana or New France, and Mexico and the West Coast were claimed by Spain. The east coast, of course, was claimed by England!

There are many cartographic incongruities on this map, including California as an island, and 'Parts Unknown' for the Pacific Northwest and everything beyond - Alaska hasn't been discovered yet.

The map spans all the way from Ireland and England in the top right corner to the northern parts of South America at the bottom of the map.

There's an incredible amount of detail on this map, even including the ocean currents either side of the Tropic of Cancer, and delightful observations by Moll dotted around the map.

This map is an unusual size - it's very wide - and would make a fantastic statement piece above a sofa, table, mantelpiece or staircase. It looks magnificent at every size and you'll always be able to read the writing on the map. I can print very large versions of this map up to 90 inches (230cm) wide. Get in touch if you're looking for very large maps. Please note that the 24x15 inch map has white edges that can be easily snipped off (or may help with framing). All other maps, and all framed maps, are just like the listing image.

The model in the listing images is holding the 36x24 inch (90x60cm) version of this map.

This map would make a great birthday or Christmas gift for someone from the Americas, or perhaps someone interested in the geography, history or ethnography of the continent.

You can order the map itself, or you can order a framed version. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that really makes our maps pop out when on a wall. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame, or if you'd like to frame one of the larger maps. We use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) in our frames - it's less reflective than glass and better for transport.