These two maps present a very interesting and unusual projection with north oriented to the top right of the Western Hemisphere and top left of the Eastern Hemisphere. In the Western Hemisphere, a long Northwest Passage, consisting of a system of rivers and lakes, reaches across from the Great Lakes towards the Pacific. The northwestern part of North America is otherwise left blank. The Eastern Hemisphere map depicts political boundaries, place names, and basic topography. According to Jolly, the binder’s instructions note the error in the title which should be A Map of the Old Continent… instead of Old Map of the Continent. Both maps were intended to be included in the December 1758 issue, but were included in the supplement. Decorated by rococo style title cartouches. Size varies slightly.

References: Jolly #GENT-121 & 122; Norwich #81.

Condition: B

Nice impressions issued folding with most or all of the top neatline and a small portion of the old continent map trimmed away at top. On both sheets there is minor offsetting from an opposing page of text and light soiling. A long centerfold split in the new continent map has been repaired on verso with old paper.