590 x 905mm., engraved map with manuscript title and original hand-colour

Shirley BL M.SAY-3a.

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A RARE PROOF STATE, SHOWING THE PUBLISHERS' WORK IN PROGRESS.

The map draws on a chart by Jean-Baptiste d’Apres de Mannevillette, a French hydrographer who published a well-known atlas of Asia and the Caribbean, Le Neptune Oriental. The finished chart would later be published in Robert Sayer and John Bennett’s East-India Pilot, renamed as “Chart of the Northern Part of the Indian Ocean”. Robert Sayer (1725-1794) came into the publishing business through his brother, who married the widow of the publisher Philip Overton. Sayer quickly established himself and benefited from the acquiဣsition of stock from Herman Moll, John Senex and John Rocque. He went into partnership with John Bennett before the latter retired due to ill health.