Henry Popple /  Covens & Mortier:  A Map of the British Empire in America with the French Spanish and Dutch Possessions adjacent thereto by Henry Popple.

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Title: A Map of the British Empire in America with the French Spanish and Dutch Possessions adjacent thereto by Henry Popple.

Map Maker: Henry Popple /   Covens & Mortier

Description:

Nice example of the 4-sheet Covens & Mortier's edition of Henry Popple's seminal map of North America.

Henry Popple's 20 sheet map of North America is widely regarded as one of the two most famous maps of North America to appear in the 18th Century (along with Johns Mitchell's map). It is widely regarded as a landmark in the mapping of North America, being the first large format English map of North America.

Popple produced the map under the auspices of the Lord Commissioners of Trade and Plantations to help settle disputes arising from the rival expansion of English, French, and Spanish colonies. Increased French exploration and the activities of the fur-traders in the Mississippi valley heightened English fears . . .  , since France claimed not only Canada, but also the territories drained by the Mississippi and its tributaries - in practical terms, an area half the continent. England and France disputed for many years the fishing rights off Nova Scotia and the Grand Banks.

Added to these problems was the constant threat of attacks on colonists' settlements by Indians allied to the French, leading to the establishment of several frontier forts in the Ohio valley region. The map was first issued in 1733 in 20 sheets, plus a key sheet. The only other multiple sheet edition of the map is this example offered by Covens & Mortier, who re-issued the primary map in 4 sheets.

Condition Description: 4 sheets, unjoined. A few narrow margins, but generally a very nice example.

Related Categories:
Maps of North America
Maps of the United States