A striking four-sheet map of North and Central America with the West Indies. It is very detailed with towns, cities, forts, Indian villages and tribal territories in the interior, and shoals, banks and navigational hazards offshore. Includes a large inset of Hudson Bay with notations concerning the search for a Northwest Passage. This map is based on D'Anville's map of 1746 with several notable "additions and improvements" per the Treaty of 1763. There are several lengthy notations reflecting the extreme nationalism in vogue during this period. In California is a note concerning the discoveries of Sir Francis Drake and the fact that they were not included in D'Anville's map, thus "rather than mention New Albion, as an English claim founded by Drake, the first circumnavigator, they castrate their own maps to blind his discovery." To the left of the decorative title cartouche in the Atlantic is a lengthy notation explaining the holdings of Britain, France and Spain subsequent to the treaty. Another decorative cartouche balances the composition in the lower left. A extraordinary map beautifully engraved by Robert Seale, with the cartouches engraved by A. Walker. Four sheets, un-joined as issued with size given above as if joined.

References: Seller & Van Ee #13; Wheat [TMW] #127.

Condition: B

Good impression on hand laid paper. All sheets are toned with some damp stains. Close trimmed at right on NE sheet, and on all sides of SE sheet. Will be a stunning map if cleaned and joined.