This great map is considered the "parent plan" of one of the most important series of maps of North America. It was drawn and issued by William Faden, the leading British cartographer at the time of the American Revolution. The map is a detailed view of the colonies and illustrates the British view of their possessions at an early point in the rebellion. The Province of Quebec is shown per the Quebec Act of 1774 with its boundary on the Ohio River. The superb original color also shows the western boundary of the southern colonies on the Mississippi River. However, subtle shading confines the colonies east of the Appalachian Mountains in accordance with the Indian treaties. The title cartouche is finely engraved with the title inscribed onto the side of a hill. A fishing net is strung between trees to represent that important industry. In the foreground merchants and workman symbolize trade and commerce and a settlement with sailing ships is seen in the background. After the Revolution, Faden changed the title of this map to read, "United States of North America," and it was regularly updated by him and later publishers until nearly the middle of the nineteenth century.

References: Fite & Freeman #59; McCorkle #777.8; Stevens & Tree, #80a; Sellers & Van Ee #732.

Condition: A

Fine impression and original color. Couple of tiny marginal tears, one just touching neatline at bottom, else very fine.