"A New and Correct Plan of the City and Harbour of Havana, on the Island of Cuba, with the Depths of Water, Sands, & Rocks; from the Latest and Best Surveys", Overton, Henry

This rare and decorative map of Havana is based on the survey of Captain James Phelps. The detailed plan shows the harbor, fortified city and surrounding countryside. A key at top left locates Morro Castle, the Custom House, the Governor's Palace, factories, and batteries. The title cartouche features navigation tools and Neptune. Two large compass roses orient the chart with north in the lower left corner of the map. This map is a close copy of a similar maps drafted by Pierre Chassereau and published by Thomas Bowles circa 1739 (see Cueto #165), however with different decorative elements. The lovely coastal view of Havana is updated in this edition with a large galleon dominating the foreground. Overton's publisher imprint is below the map and advertises other maps "of the same size & price." Not in Cueto.

References:

Condition: B+

A nice impression on paper with a fleur-de-lis coat of arms watermark and light soiling. Remargined at top, right and left with period-correct paper.