Catalog Archive
Auction 152, Lot 143

"[Lot of 2] Map of Part of the United States of North America, with the Territory of the Illinois on the Ohio…[with] Notes on a Journey in America, from the Coast of Virginia to the Territory of Illinois",

Subject: Eastern United States

Period: 1818 (published)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
15.9 x 12 inches
40.4 x 30.5 cm
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This is the third edition of this short work. The journal is an account of the Birkbeck's emigration to the United States and his experience traveling from Virginia to Illinois Territory. In the work, he writes about his intent to establish a wilderness sanctuary, which appealed to many middle-class Europeans, and went through multiple editions. The text includes a map covering the region from Virginia to the lower Great Lakes, including the new state of Indiana as well as Illinois and Northwest Territories. It depicts Birkbeck's journey from the Northern Neck of Virginia to Wasington DC, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, and finally Princeton, Indiana. Of cartographic interest, it shows Illinois approximately 50 miles too far to the west of Lake Michigan, with Indiana completely surrounding the southern part of the lake. Also shows the river system and numerous forts, towns and villages. Octavo, disbound, 163 pp.

References: Howes #B468.

Condition: B

Original outline color on watermarked paper with light offsetting, several fold separations that have been closed on verso with archival tape, and a 3" binding tear at right closed on verso with old paper. Issued folding and now flattened and separate from the text. Disbound text is clean and bright.

Estimate: $250 - $325

Sold for: $600

Closed on 2/18/2015

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