This is undoubtedly the most attractive English map of the North Pole and Arctic regions. The map combines some outdated cartography with a solid view of Hudson and Baffin bays. In Canada the unusual three-island configuration of northern Labrador is derived in part from Sanson's map of 1656. Pitt includes the mythical island of Freesland (Frisland) complete with several place names, and Forbishers Strait bisects the southern tip of Greenland. Cartographically the map is notable for the small inset map of Nova Zembla with an explanation that new information had arrived from Russia indicating that it was joined to the mainland instead of being an island as shown on the main map. The superb title cartouche emphasizes the importance of whaling in the region with whaling scenes, walruses, narwhals, and Inuits in their kayaks. A magnificent coat of arms dedicates the map to Charles Fitz Charles, Earl of Plymouth. The paper on this example has been double red-lined ruled just outside of the plate mark, which was a common embellishment for a royal presentation set.

This is the only original work prepared by Pitt for his ill-fated and uncompleted atlas. It was likely engraved by Michael Burghers, a Dutch emigrant who became the official engraver to the University of Oxford. The atlas was projected to be a 12-volume work in the tradition of the earlier Dutch atlases and was to use updated copperplates belonging to Johannes Jansson van Waesberge, son-in-law and heir of Jan Jansson. Only 4 volumes were completed before the venture failed and Pitt was thrown into debtor's prison.

References: Shirley (BL Atlases) T.PITT-1a #3; Kershaw #120.

Condition: B

Full contemporary color on a sheet backed in archival tissue to repair some cracking caused by oxidation of green pigment. There are archival repairs to a 1" x 4" hole around the centerfold at bottom, with partial facsimile work to the border and central Iceland, although place names have not been redrawn and the Deucalidonia Sea is missing its first three letters. There is light soiling, a printer's crease parallel to the centerfold, and an archivally repaired centerfold separation at top. Remnants of hinge tape on verso.