“CARTE DU MEXIQUE ET DE LA FLORIDE…” Guillaume De l’Isle. Amsterdam: Covens & Mortier, c. 1722 (dated in map). De l’Isle himself reissued this map in 1722 “& made arrangements for it to be reprinted from a new plate by the Amsterdam publishers Jean Covens & Cornelius Mortier” (Martin & Martin, p. 93). Engraved map with original hand-coloring. Centerfold archivally rejoined at bottom. (Image: 18 1/2 x 23 3/4'')
(Ref: Tooley: The Mapping of America, #51; Phillips, #565; Martin & Martin, Maps of Texas & the Southwest, pp. 92-93, pl 14; Schwartz & Ehrenberg Pl 82).
De l’Isle’s map influenced delineation of the Mississippi Valley for many years. It’s “a towering landmark along the path of Western cartographic development. It was the first printed map to portray accurately the course and mouth of the Mississippi River. He correctly depicted the Great Lakes region, as well as the many English settlements along the East Coast. He also carefully set down the explorations of d’Iberville & his men on the Gulf Coast & the lower reaches of the Mississippi & Red Rivers, & Indian villages in East Texas where the Spanish constructed their missions & presidios.” (Martin & Martin, p.93). The routes of the Spanish galleons are also shown in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico.
De l’Isle relied on firsthand reports from survivors of La Salle’s expedition, as well as French explorers & colonizers of the Gulf region. He was an eminent cartographer - “Premier Geographe du Roi” (a title created for him!) & elected to the French Academy of Science.
Shipped unmatted
