"Carte d'Amerique Dressee pour l'Usage du Roy…", Delisle/Covens & Mortier

Guillaume Delisle's map of the Americas [1722] was one of the most popular maps of the 18th century with numerous editions published. Its various editions provide a great view of the evolving cartographic knowledge of the Americas throughout the eighteenth century. This is the sixth state published in Amsterdam by Covens & Mortier with the addition of a Latin title at top; America Accurate in Imperia, Regna, Status & Populos Divisa. In North America the western coast is now continued northward above Cap Blanc to include a large Mer de l'Ouest; this being an early appearance of the mythical Sea of the West. The region of central Canada has been extensively updated to included several large lakes and forts. The French territory of Louisiane takes up the lion's share of North America at the expense of the British colonies. This political bias is due to Delisle's position as geographer to the King of France. The west end of Hudson Bay is completed and the names reflect recent British explorations in the region. Halifax and Philadelphia are now named. South America is much better represented with a good depiction of the river systems and locations of the Jesuit missions. Several notations throughout the map have been extended in the edition.

References: McGuirk #47; Tooley (Amer) p. 14, #6, plt. 3.

Condition: A

Sharp impression and lovely original color. There are repairs on the folds in the blank margins, else fine.