"Amerique Septentrionale Publiee sous les Auspices de Monseigneur le Duc d'Orleans … [on two sheets]", Anville, Jean Baptiste Bourguignon d'

First state of this striking map of North America and the West Indies. It is one of the best French maps of North America prior to the French & Indian War. D'Anville was the Royal Geographer and Cartographer to the King of France. He followed Delisle as the chief proponent of scientific cartography, and his influence on his contemporaries was profound. Because he had direct access to the many official French records of North America his maps are known for their excellent detail and clearly presented information. This map provides good information in New Mexico and the Mississippi and Missouri River Valleys. A remnant of Lahontan's fabled Grande Rivier is retained west of Lac du Bois. The region of the Ohio River Valley and below the Great Lakes reflects the superior knowledge of the French in these regions. The newly formed colony of Georgia appears squeezed between South Carolina and the Spanish claims to Florida. The map names Tecas and includes a notation on the Texas coast concerning Port Francois referring to La Harpe's expedition. Many place names, Indian tribes, and forts are located. At upper left is an inset of Hudson and Baffin Bays. Map engraved by Guillame Delahaye, decorative cartouche drawn by Graevlot and engraved by Major. Printed on four sheets, (joined as two pairs of horizontal sheets) as issued.

References: Karpinski (MI) p. 138; Lowery #381; Tooley (Am) pp. 316-17.

Condition: B

Minor soil and creases in map with some repairs on the centerfolds.