North America, US, Canada... L. C. Desnos / M. Brion, 1766, Nouveau Mexique, Louisiane, Canada et N. lle Angleterre

Folio size 18th century copper engraved map, made by Brion de la Tour, of North America. This is the first edition of this famous map. It shows the extent of discoveries in the Southwest, Alaska and the Arctic Regions. Two long rivers run from California to the Rocky Mountain region, the Northernmost attaching Lake Winnipeg. Extensive note regarding explorations along the NW Coast of America, but there was no sign of the Sea of the West.

The Mississippi River drainage is now well explored by the French, who are now shifting west following the end of the French & Indian War. A number of French forts shown, including Detroit, S. Pierre, S. Charles, S. Phillipe, Huillier, S. Francisco, and Rosalie.

The map is printed in a decorative frame and in orginal coloring. Dated 1766, published in 1767.

Published in ´Atlas général, civil et ecclésiastique, méthodique et élémentaire pour l'étude de la géographie et de l'histoire / Chez le sieur Desnos à Paris, 1767

Louis Brion De La Tour (fl 1756-1803)

Beyond the fact that Brion was an engineer by profession and held the post of Ingenieur-Geographe du Roi, little is known of his career. He published a wide range of statistical works and a number of atlases, published by the well known French mapmaker Louis Charles Desnos (1725-1805).

Excellent condition. Thick paper. Clear print. Original coloring. Ample margins. Reverse side blank.

Image 35x39cm, sheet 40x52,5cm