Scarce Revolutionary War Map

"Special Karte von den Mittleren Britisshen Colonien in Nord Amerika... [bound in] Beschreibung des Brittischen Amerika zur Ersparung der Englischen Karten...", Leiste/Pingeling

This scarce map of the British Colonies was published at the beginning on the Revolutionary War in Christian Leiste's Beschreibung des Brittischen Amerika zur Ersparung der Englischen Karten. The map extends from the Chesapeake Bay to Montreal, Canada, and as far west as Lancaster, PA and Washington, DC, the latter of which of course does not yet appear on the map. The map is centered on New York City, ringed by a large compass. The map shows state and county boundaries, cities, and early roads. A note in Pennsylvania identifies "the endless mountains" with the Land of the Seven Nations to the north. The title cartouche is featured within a second large compass. The map was handsomely engraved by Thomas Albrecht Pingeling,

Leiste's work gives a geographical, political, economic, and historical description of New England during the Revolutionary War. Also included is information on Native Indians and the European settlers. An uncommon and fascinating work giving a German perspective of the British Colonies and the war. 12mo., pp. 29, 571, [1], folding map. Hardbound in full original leather with raised bands, gilt tooling, and an engraved leather title label on spine.

References: Howes #L243; McCorkle #778.14; Sabin #39937.

Condition: A

The map is in original outline color with a couple of unobtrusive spots of foxing, minor misfolding along the left edge of the sheet, and a tiny binding tear that just enters the map border at left. The text is clean and bright with just a hint of toning. The covers have several small abrasions and bumped corners. The spine is beginning to crack and has a small chip at the tail.