Unattributed. "A Map of Martinico…” & “A Map of that Part of Guadaloupe, where the English made their Descent. Jany. 23, 1759"

“A Map of Martinico…” & “A Map of that Part of Guadaloupe, where the English made their Descent. Jan^y. 23, 1759.”  From Gentleman’s Magazine. 

London: March, 1759.  Engraving by J. Gibson.  7 1/2 x 9 1/2.  Very good condition.  

Beginning in 1731, monthly news magazines made their appearance in Britain.  These magazines, with such names as Gentleman’s Magazine and London Magazine, contained poetry, prose, and articles on events, fashions, personalities, and other items of the day that might be of interest to the English gentleman.  One of their most popular, and historically important, features was the inclusion of prints and maps to accompany their articles.  This two part map shows Martinique and Guadeloupe.  The Seven Years War (known as the French & Indian War in North America), pitted the European powers against each other around the world, and the islands of the West Indies were a major region of conflict.  Guadaloupe, with its important sugar industry, was captured by the British in January 1759.  Martinique was invaded that same month, but the British didn’t capture it until February 1762.