"North America, Performed under the Patronage of Louis Duke of Orleans, First Prince of the Blood", Bolton, Solomon

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 it was 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. Map engraved by Robert Seale, cartouches engraved by A. Walker. Four sheets, un-joined as issued (size given is if joined). Set includes the title page with a vignette showing sheep shearing.

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

Condition: C

Good impression with wide margins. Toned with some damp stains and minor creasing throughout. One area of paper weakness but overall sound paper. Would be a stunning map if cleaned and joined.