Lot 35072: Jefferys - A Chart of the Gulf of St. Laurence (Gulf of St. Lawrence - Outlet of the Great Lakes, North America)

This important map is from Thomas Jefferys's The American Atlas: or, a geographical description of the whole continent of America: wherein are delineated at large its several regions, countries, states, and islands; and chiefly the British Colonies. The work was published in London in 1776 by R. Sayer and J. Bennett. Each engraving features original outline color.

This is considered the most important 18th century atlas of America: a "geographical description of the whole continent of America, as portrayed in the best available maps in the latter half of the eighteenth century ... as a major cartographic reference work it was, very likely, consulted by American, English, and French civilian administrators and military officers during the Revolution." (Ristow) The atlas served as the most comprehensive account of the colonies at the dawn of the American Revolution.

The atlas is of note for including Brassier's map of Lake Champlain, Braddock Meade's A Map of the Most Inhabited Parts of New England (largest and most detailed to that date), Samuel Holland's The Provinces of New York and New Jersey, William Scull's A Map of Pennsylvania (first to include the western portion), Joshua Fry and Peter Jefferson's A Map of the Most Inhabited Part of Virginia (best to date for the Chesapeake Region), and Lt. Ross's Course of the Mississippi (first chart of the river based on English sources). Also of note that was added to this 1776 edition is A new Map of the Province of Quebec.

Thomas Jefferys (1719-1771) was a leading English cartographer. He produced some of the most significant maps of the English / Americcan colonies. He was the appointed Geographer to the Prince of Wales and eventually to the King (1761). His official appointments granted him access to some of the very best surveys and were often considered "official work" for England. Robert Sayer and John Bennett were Jefferys successors and compiled this 1776 edition of The American Atlas.

Sheet Size ~ 21 1/2" by 15 1/2"; Image Area ~ 19 1/2" by 24"

Engraving with Original Outline Color

1776

The work is in very good to excellent condition overall. Some of the maps are quite large, so the photos may be stitched together to present the map as a whole. There may be a few minor imperfections to be expected with age. Please review the image carefully for condition and contact us with any questions.

The American Atlas