Paris: (n.p.) 1744.

An excellent folding map of Bellin's depiction of the Great Lakes. Originally published in Charlevoix's "Histoire et Description Generale de la Nouvelle France" in 1744. This map was latter updated in versions printed in 1755 and 1757. Of particular note are the four spurious islands of Philippeaux, Pontchartrain, Maurepas and St. Anne in Lake Superior and the fictitious mountain range in Michigan. When the map was first produced, explorers sought in vain to find the four islands in Lake Superior, and though they were never found that remained on maps for 100 years after. In the end, it was discovered that the Jesuit priest Charlevoix had invented the islands to honor his patron Jean Frederic Phelippeux, Comte de Maurepas, whose family estate was named Ponchartrain and whose Patron Saint was St. Anne. Rich with Indian information, notes, early French forts and other early features. The map was compiled from the Chaussegros de Lery manuscripts. A scarce early map to focus on the Great Lakes. The first obtainable example, preceded only by the 1742 proof copy noted by Kershaw. Close trimming to neat line wtih slightly extended margins at right and top edge. (Schwartz & Ehrenbar p.162; Karpinski p.137) vg/--.

ISBN: none.

[Item #MAP00066]