Art

Very attractive eighteenth century map of North America produced at a transitional point in terms of European understanding of the geography of the New World - the Mississippi Valley, Mexico, the Great Lakes, and the Atlantic Coast are portrayed in detail with great accuracy, while the north-western portion of the continent is labelled "Parts Unknown" and California is depicted as an island. It is one of the last maps to perpetuate that misinformation about California, which had influenced cartography for some 145 years. Also shown are routes of explorers, mountains as raised topography, European and Indian towns, forts, and castles. Shaded areas marked with arrows indicate the trade winds. Decorative title cartouche at lower right. The map was drawn & engraved by Richard Wilson Seale (fl.1732-1773) for "The History of England" Written in French by Mr. Rapin de Thoyras. Translated into English with Additional Notes by N. Tindal. M.A. the Vicar of Great Waltham in Essex, England. This is a very attractive map with excellent detail. Published in 'Mr. Tindal's Continuation of Mr. Rapin's History of England'. Size: 485 x 385 mm. Copper engraving. Hand coloured. Fine condition.