This is a fascinating earlier edition of this finely engraved map of the Americas. It extends to include excellent detail of the Pacific islands, including all of New Zealand. Later editions of the map identify Alaska, but here the region is a roughly defined stretch of coast with notes that read "Coast seen by Messrs. Tschirikow and de Lisle in 1741" and "Land indicated by the Inhabitants of Kamtschatka." Interesting notations in the Pacific Northwest include "Land which is supposed to be the Fou sang of the Chinese Geographer" and nods to discoveries by Bering, Tschirikow and Delisle, and the mythical Bartholomew de Fonte. The legendary River of the West terminates in the "Opening discover'd by Martin d Aguilar in 1603," with a conjectural tributary that also connects the river with Juan de Fuca Strait. In the area of San Francisco Bay is Port Sr. Francis Drake. The land to the east of the Mississippi is labeled British Colonies, with Louisiana Territory, Teguayo, and New Albion in the west. Some Indian tribes are located as well. The spurious L. Xarayes is depicted in South America. Published by Robert Sayer.

References: Shirley (BL Atlases) T.DUNN-1b; cf. Phillips (Maps) p. 110.

Condition: B+

A crisp impression with contemporary outline color on a sheet with a Strasbourg bend and lily watermark. There is minor offsetting and a centerfold separation that extends 6" into the image at bottom that has been closed on verso with linen tape.