"A Map of the Isthmus of Panama, Drawn from Spanish Surveys", Jefferys, Thomas

Thomas Jefferys was one of the most important English map publishers of the 18th century. His work included prints and maps of locations around the world, but his most notable maps are of North America and the West Indies. He began his career in the map trade in the early 1730s, working as an engraver for a variety of London publishers, and eventually setting up his own shop. In 1746, he was appointed Geographer to the Prince of Wales, and in 1760 he became Geographer to the King. These titles granted access to manuscripts and cartographic information held by the government. In the early 1760s he embarked on an ambitious project to produce a series of English county maps based on new surveys, but ran out of money and filed for bankruptcy in 1766. He then partnered with London publisher Robert Sayer, who reissued many of Jefferys plates and continued to issue new editions after Jefferys' death in 1771. Jefferys' American Atlas and the accompanying West-India Atlas, published post posthumously, are considered his most important cartographic works.

This handsome chart centers on a section of the Isthmus of Panama. It features excellent topographical detail, rivers, towns and cities (including Panama City), ruins, and roads. Soundings, hazards, and anchorages are shown in the surrounding waters.

References: Kapp (MCC-73) #78-3; Shirley (BL Atlases) M.JEF-3a #10.

Condition: B+

A nice impression on a slightly toned sheet with minor offsetting, a few light damp stains that enter the image at bottom and left, and a few minute worm holes that are only visible when the map is held up to light. There is a tiny centerfold separation confined to the bottom blank margin.