An fine example of Guillaume de l’Isles’s ornate map of the British Isles. This is in state 9 of 10 according to Shirley with the date in the title cartouche altered to ‘1800 An 8′, reflecting the 8 year of the Republic. Indeed it should be noted the 10th state identified by Shirley is yet to be recorded in a known example. Retaining the imprint of De L’Isles’ son-in-law Philippe Buache below the lower margin. This map was first separately published before De L’Isle began issuing regular atlases. It ‘fully reflects the high standard of his work … the map is a fine example of polished engraving, restrained decoration and pleasing balance.’ De L’Isle (1675-1726) is important as the first ‘scientific’ cartographer who incorporated the most current information on exploration and topography into his maps. Lloyd Brown states that De L’Isle “undertook a complete reform of a system of geography that had been in force since the second century, and by the time he was twenty-five he had very nearly accomplished his purpose”. Provenance: Doreen Green 2001. Brown (1959); Shirley, R.W. (BI 1650-1750) Delisle 1, state 9; Tooley’s Dictionary (1999-2004).