Hand-drawn, color map of Europe as of 1743 with place names, geopolitical borders and some topographical features. Boundaries and features are noted, with relief shown pictorially.

Jacques Autreau’s play Platée, ou Junon jalouse was based on a story by a second-century Greek author named Pausanias who chronicled his travels (including rituals and traditions) in ten books that represent the different regions of Greece. At the time Le Valois d’Orville appropriated Autreau’s drama for a libretto, it was uncommon for French court operas to include comic features, and even Autreau’s spoken play lacked the comic tone of the opera. Yet, the humor extends beyond the plot; for instance, the sounds of frogs and birds are represented instrumentally. Platée was first performed at Versailles for the wedding of the dauphin and Princess Maria Theresa of Spain in 1745.

Dardanus went through a number of revisions from the time of its premiere in 1739 until its final eighteenth-century run at the Opéra in 1771. The version in the Virtual Rare Book Room was first performed in 1744; the last three acts exhibit extensive plot changes from the first edition. The final version in 1760 received the most positive acclaim, especially compared to the criticisms that were made about the nonsensical plot of the first version. By this point, however, the polemic between the Lullistes and the Ramistes, which had surrounded the premiere, had subsided.

This is a [ca. 1743] score of "Giulio Cesare," an Italian opera seria in three acts by Handel. The performance forces include: flute, oboe, horns (in A and D), strings (violin, viola, violoncello, bass), continuo (theorbo and viola da gamba), harp, chorus of mixed voices (soprano, alto, tenor, bass), and soloist singers. A list of solo arias and duets of each act appears on p.170 followed by a list containing the names of the subscribers on pp.[171-172]. Two mythological figures [possibly, the god Apollo and the Muse Erato] and musical instruments signed by the London engraver [John] Strongitharm of Pall Mall appear on the title page. The name of each character appear at the top of p.3 with the names of the actual performers inscribed with pencil. The names of the casting coincide with those listed in the Oxford Dictionary of Music (online, 2009): "the castratos Senesino, Gaetano Berenstadt and Giuseppe Bigonzi (Caesar, Ptolemy and Nirenus), Francesca Cuzzoni (Cleopatra), Margherita Durastanti (Sextus), Anastasia Robinson (Cornelia), Giuseppe Boschi (Achillas) and John Lagarde or Laguerre (Curius)."

This map shows North and Central America and some of the surrounding areas. Some places are labeled; bodies of water and some specific locations are marked with various symbols (there does not appear to be a related key).

This map shows North and Central America including bodies of waters and landforms (with relief shown pictorially). Areas are all labeled, including "California" which is depicted with the "Gulf of California or Red Sea" separating it from the rest of North America. There are also notations for "European Cities and Towns," "Indian Towns," "Forts," and "Castles." Scale [ca.1:8,000,000].

Map shows northern coast of Africa, Iberian and Italian peninsulas, and larger islands in the Mediterranean Sea. Includes notes. Scale not given.

Map shows mid-eighteenth century geography and major cities in Mexico and Guatemala. Relief shown pictorially. Scale [ca. 1:5,400,000].

Map shows late eighteenth century cities and known geography in North America, South America, and part of northern Africa. Includes notes with dates and names of explorers. Trade wind directions are also shown. Relief shown pictorially. Scale not given.

Map shows Central America, portions of North and South America, West Indian Islands, towns, and rivers. Relief shown pictorially. Scale not given.

Map shows six continents as known by mid-eighteenth century, with North America and New Holland [Australia] incomplete; some political boundaries. Scale not given.

Map shows mid-eighteenth century political boundaries, cities, and indigenous tribes in Africa. Relief shown pictorially. Scale not given.

Map shows mid-eighteenth century South American cities, political divisions, and indigenous tribes. Relief shown pictorially. Scale not given.

Map shows mid-eighteenth century cities, political divisions, and some indigenous peoples in Asia. Relief shown pictorially. Scale not given.

Map shows mid-eighteenth century European cities and political boundaries. Relief shown pictorially. Scale not given.

Map shows Western Hemisphere, western Europe, western coast of Africa, "Island" [Iceland], "Groenland," British, French, and Spanish colonies in North America. Last date of discovery shown is 1743. Northwestern portion of North American continent undefined. Prime meridian: Ferro. Includes names of explorers and dates of discoveries. Relief shown pictorially. Scale not given.

Map shows cities, towns, missions, presidios, and notable physical features; boundaries for Mexican provinces; areas of Native American habitation. Relief shown pictorially. No scale noted.

Map shows the geography, settlements, and Native American habitation in mid-eighteenth century North America that spans a majority of the the continent from the eastern coast to the Rio Grande region of "Nouveau Mexique." Scale undetermined.

Map shows forested areas, settlements, forts, areas of Native American habitation, islands, shoals, and banks for the New England coast. Relief shown pictorially. Scale [ca. 2,250,000].

Map shows ports and settlements in "New Spain," the coast line of the Gulf of Mexico, Florida, the West Indies, and the northern coast of South America; currents. Includes text, "Observation de l'Editeur au sujet des mesures," a key to rivers, and additional notes. Relief shown pictorially. Depths shown by soundings. Scale not indicated.

Map shows roads, settlements, areas of Native American habitation, and military outposts in the southeastern portion of the North American continent. Relief shown by shading. Scale [ca. 1:2,500,000].

Map shows extent of European colonies of New France, New Mexico, New Spain, New Britain, and New England; areas of Native American habitation; also the West Indies and the northern coast of South America. Relief shown pictorially. Scale [ca. 1:12,500,000].

Map shows European possessions, cities, settlements, and notable physical features; fortification, streets, buildings, and harbor layout for cities in mid-eighteenth century Mexico, Central America, and the West Indies. Includes keys to select points on city maps, color key to European possessions. Relief shown pictorially. Depths shown by soundings. Scales not given.

Map shows New France/Canada, Mexico/New Spain, English colonies, and Florida extending to New Mexico; major cities and settlements, areas of Native American habitation; the West Indies, the northern coast of South America, and the tip of California. Relief shown pictorially. Scale not given.