This is a stunning double hemisphere map of the world prepared by Guillaume de L'Isle and published by Tobias Conrad Lotter in 1775. The map is based upon the remarkable work of Guillaume de L'Isle. Depicts the entire world on a hemisphere projection with two smaller hemispheres describing the Polar Regions. In accordance with de L'Isle's rather high minded perspective on speculative cartography this map shows considerable restraint with regard to unknown and unexplored regions - particularly the northwestern parts of America, the northeastern parts of Asia, and the Australian continent. Unexplored areas are largely left blank. A few interesting anomalies did, however, work their way into this map. The most interesting of these is the depiction of "Frislandia" between Iceland and Greenland. Frislandia, not to be confused with Frisland, on the European mainland, is a "Ghost Island" that supposed appeared and disappeared on the horizon. Most maps issued by 1750 or so abandoned this notion, but as the legend and indeed this map attest, the island does have a habit of reappearing! On the opposite side of the world Japan is shown as a peninsula attached to the Asian Mainland of Yedso. Further east the mythical land of Terre de la Compagnie is also noted. To the south, Van Diemen's Land or Tasmania make a cursory appearance as does Antarctica, labeled "Cap. Terrae Australes". Australia is shows attached to New Guinea. New Zealand is not present. Shows the Saragossa Sea. Includes route markings delineating the explorations of Chaumont, Magellan, Tasmani, Dampieri and Olivieri, among others. The top center is dominated by a large allegorical title cartouche in the baroque style with continents depicted as royalty.
