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Balnibarbi & Laputa flying island. Jonathan Swift. Gulliver's Travels 1751 map

Balnibarbi & Laputa flying island. Jonathan Swift. Gulliver's Travels 1751 map

Product SKU: P-6-108667

Price £180.00

Laputa & Balnibarbi [Gulliver's Travels] by Jonathan Swift (1751). Antique copperplate fantasy parody map, 17.0 x 9.0cm, 6.5 x 3.5 inches
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CAPTION PRINTED BELOW PICTURE: Laputa & Balnibarbi [Gulliver's Travels]

One of the earliest fantasy maps ever published depicts Balnibarbi and the track of the flying island of Laputa, featured in the third part of Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels (1726). These fictional lands are described during Gulliver’s voyage to the islands their neighbouring territories of Luggnagg and Glubbdubdrib. Swift places these islands in the Pacific Ocean, off the southeastern coast of Japan, with Laputa hovering above Balnibarbi. The locations are described both in the text and depicted on a map, though they do not correspond to any real-world geography. Balnibarbi is shown as a large landmass near Japan. Although Japan is a real location, the fictional placement of these lands reflects Swift’s satirical style. Scholars suggest that the unlikely geography, like in other parts of Gulliver’s Travels, parodies unreliable travel narratives and contemporary European exploration. The map, like others in Gulliver’s Travels, is unattributed, but it is speculated that Swift may have drawn inspiration from his friend Herman Moll, a well-known cartographer of the time, whom he references as "my worthy friend" in the book. The maps were only included in the early editions of the book.

DATE PRINTED: 1751    

IMAGE SIZE: Approx 17.0 x 9.0cm, 6.5 x 3.5 inches (Small)

TYPE: Antique copperplate fantasy parody map

CONDITION: Good; suitable for framing. Please check the scan for any blemishes prior to making your purchase. Please contact us if you would like to arrange to view this map. Virtually all antiquarian maps and prints are subject to some normal aging due to use and time which is not obtrusive unless otherwise stated. We offer a no questions asked return policy.

AUTHENTICITY: This is an authentic historic print, published at the date stated above. It is not a modern copy.

VERSO: There is nothing printed on the reverse side, which is plain

ARTIST/CARTOGRAPHER/ENGRAVER: Jonathan Swift

PROVENANCE: "Travels into several remote nations of the world. In four parts.", by Lemuel Gulliver, first a surgeon, and then a captain of several ships. The fifth edition, corrected. London: Printed for Charles Bathurst, and sold by T. Woodward, C. Davis, C. Hitch, R. Dodsley, and W. Bowyer. MDCCLI [Gulliver's Travels, by Jonathan Swift]

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Balnibarbi & Laputa flying island. Jonathan Swift. Gulliver's Travels 1751 map
£180.00