Catalog Archive
Auction 194, Lot 73

"A New & Accurate Map of North America Including Nootka Sound: with the New Discovered Islands on the North East Coast of Asia", Bowen, Thomas

Subject: North America

Period: 1796 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Black & White

Size:
16.8 x 10.3 inches
42.7 x 26.2 cm
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This is the third state of this map of North America focusing on discoveries in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. Alaska is still a bit misshapen, but Captain Cook's discoveries are shown, and there is good detail of the Aleutian Islands. The northeast coast of Asia is depicted with a well formed Kamtschatka Peninsula. Northern Canada is marked Parts Unknown, and northern California is New Albion. New Mexico encompasses present-day Louisiana and Texas, while the eastern seaboard states all extend to the Mississippi River. On the continent, the political divisions are delineated by dotted lines, and numerous Indian nations are located. The map was published by Charles Cooke in a later edition of Thomas Bankes's A New Authentic System of Universal Geography...; across the top neatline is a mostly erased imprint reading, "Engraved for Bankes's New System of Geography." Although there is no engraver's signature, Thomas Bowen is known to have prepared the maps for Bankes's New System of Geography. This third state is identical to the second state with the addition of "89H" and "4G" beneath the bottom border.

References: McCorkle (18th C. Geography Books) #11-8; Shirley (BL Atlases) T.BANK-1b.

Condition: B+

Issued on paper with a 1796 fleur-de-lis watermark. There is light mat burn along the border, light toning, and minor staining.

Estimate: $300 - $375

Sold for: $150

Closed on 9/13/2023

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