This unusual map is from ‘A Natural History of Uncommon Birds’ by George Edwards (1694-1773). Indeed, Edwards etched the map himself which is a curious construction of geography and natural history. In fact it records his journey’s through north western Europe. He travelled to Holland in 1716 and 1730, Norway in 1718 and France between 1719 and 1721. The text of the work describes the beak across the top as that of an Egyptian Ibis. The two stag beetles are male and female from Borneo and are depicted natural size. Lower left an inset features the Least Humming Bird of Jamaica again life size, weighing just 20 grams. Edwards was one of the finest ornithologists of the eighteenth century and with the influence of Sir Hans Sloane became librarian of the Royal College of Physicians in London. He travelled to Holland in 1716 and 1730, Norway in 1718 and France between 1719 and 1721. Provenance: acquired from Doreen Green, 1991; private English collection. Shirley (1988) Edwards 1.