Les Isles Britanniques ou sont les Royaumes d' Angleterre, Ecosse, et Irlande; distingués en leurs principales Provinces. . .

An extra-large, very early edition of Sanson's map of the British Isles, redrawn on a larger scale by Jaillot at the request of Sanson's heirs, first published in the 'Atlas Nouveau' from 1674.
During the course of this map's life Jaillot had three pairs of plates engraved, with only minor changes. This is the second state of the first plate. The change of the date from '74' to '81' that is easily recognizable. Joined to the lot is the related engraved index sheet.
A very decorative map, with fine baroque title and scale cartouches and an inset of the Orkneys and Shetland Isles. Portions of France, Belgium, and the Netherlands are included to the east, separated from England by the Pas de Calais.
The Western Isles and the Orkneys are off the coast of Scotland, while the Scilly Islands are just west of Cornwall. In the upper right corner is an inset of the Upper Orkneys with the Faroes and Shetlands northwest and northeast respectively.

The British Isles are divided into nations and counties, with towns, cities, and rivers highlighted. Hadrian’s Wall is prominently shown. The wall was built by the Romans in 122 AD to protect their settlements in the south. London and Westminster are marked as close, yet separate cities. The western portion of the map is filled with decorative elements.
In the upper left is an elaborate floral motif flanked by rearing horses. Poseidon is sunning himself in a frame at the base. In the lower-left corner is an impressive scale bar characteristic of Jaillot.
Shirley says:: "one of the most attractive maps of the late 17th century".

Alexis-Hubert Jaillot (1632-1712) was one of the most important French cartographers of the seventeenth century. Jaillot traveled to Paris with his brother, Simon, in 1657, hoping to take advantage of Louis XIV's call to the artists and scientists of France to settle and work in Paris. Originally a sculptor, he married the daughter of Nicholas Berey, Jeanne Berey, in 1664, and went into partnership with Nicholas Sanson's sons.
Beginning in 1669, he re-engraved and often enlarged many of Sanson's maps, filling in the gap left by the destruction of the Blaeu's printing establishment in 1672.

Reference: SHIRLEY: British Isles 1650-1750, Jaillot 1,