A very attractive, finely engraved and rare early 19th century map of North America which was published in Sydney Hall’s A New General Atlas (London: Longman, Rees, Orme, Brown & Green; 1827-1830 [first edition]).
At the time of the maps production a large part of the Canadian Arctic still remained unexplored thus maintaining the belief that a navigable Northwest passage existed. The limited geographic knowledge is further demonstrated by the mistaken belief that Ellesmere Island (then ‘North Devon’) is joined to Greenland. Elsewhere, the American claim to lands north of the 49th parallel (now British Colombia) is shown whereas modern day Alaska is still ‘RUSSIAN TERRITORY’. The then newly independent state/empire of Mexico stretches into what would later become the southwestern part of the United States including California and Texas. Interestingly, a previous owner of the map has added a note (in ink) next to California reading: “Gold District of 1848”, a clear reference to the famous Californian Gold Rush. This highly collectable and historically important map was produced by Sydney Hall (1788-1831) who was one of the most recognised and prolific British map engravers at the time when Britain excelled in map making.
- This is an original copper engraving with fine original hand colour.
- Printed area is approximately 51.7cms by 41.6cms including imprint (folio).
- The map is in very good condition with excellent margins. There is a split to the bottom centrefold which enters the border and there is some minor offset. Click on image for a better view.
- Click on ‘Delivery Policy’ for postage costs.
- Guaranteed to be over 180 years old.
