A plain chart of the Caspian Sea

Jonas Hanway, 1753. unbound. John Gibson. Map. Uncolored engraving. Measures 13 1/2" x 21 1/4".

This incredibly detailed map features a chart of the Caspian Sea and its surroundings, harbors and anchorages. Oriented with north to the right, depicts the 'world's largest lake' when it was being explored by Europeans to open up navigational possibilities to aid with trade in Asia. The coastline are exquisitely detailed with oceanic depths noted and beautifully rendered topography. A note in the bottom right states that 'This chart mentions the frequented places only, and such as are of use to navigators'. Thomas Woodroofe was the seafarer for (truncated) a British trading company established on the Caspian Sea in 1740. Headed by Captain John Elton, the company existed for a short time, during which its ships sailed across the Caspian Sea from Russia to Persia and back. Woodroofe was the master of one of the British ships "Empress of Russia", who navigated the sea for three years. He wrote the sailing directions and prepared this particular map based on the observations of Captain Elton (author of Elton's Quadrant), and presented it to M. Jonas Hanway of Saint Petersburg in 1745. The map was published according to Act of Parliament in 1753 and later published in Jonas Hanways notes titled, "An Historical Account of the British Trade Over the Caspian Sea". The map is in very good condition with some wear along the folds and minor creasing. Minor foxing and some edge wear. Some verso repair over cracks near edges. A beautifully engraved title cartouche adorns the lower right. Overall, a beautiful map of the Caspian Sea. (Inventory #: 263681)