WELLS, E. - A New Map of Great Tartary and China with the adjoining parts of Asia

This fascinating map shows the region of the Silk Routes. Many cities are linked by fine lines indicating the region's main silk and caravan routes.
East of the Caspian Sea, we see the region of modern-day Uzbekistan, here labeled as "Usbec or Zagatay." The Oxus River and Bockora are shown. Samarcand, Cabul, and other towns along the Silk Route are also mentioned. The map contains lots of extra information.

The vast area was largely unknown to Europeans during much of the 18th century, and the image reflects much speculation and hearsay. An oddly shaped Japan, an eastern land bridge to North America, and incomplete coastlines are just a few of the inaccuracies depicted. Numerous annotations in English provide interesting contextual details, such as locations of "hordes of Mongol Tartars" and the Great Lama, while the "Chinese Wall" can be seen outside Pekin (Beijing). Two inset maps show areas to the northeast, outside the image, according to Jesuit scholars.

Attractive small title cartouche and coat of arms of His Highness, William Duke of Gloucester - to whom the map is dedicated.