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Stock# 73387
Description

Third and Most Desirable Edition of Imlay's Topographical Description, Including the Largest Later Version of Elihu Barker's Wall Map of Kentucky.

A rare and important book on what was then the American frontier, published by J. Debrett in London in 1797.

In this 1797 edition, Imlay's work on the "Western Territory of North America" includes four folding maps, two of particular importance that do not appear in the earlier editions. The maps included in the work are:

  • A Map of The Western Part of the Territories belonging to the United States of America. Drawn from the best Authorities. (Conder, 1795)
  • A Plan of The Rapids of the Ohio. (Conder, 1793)
  • A Map of the State of Kentucky from Actual Survey by Elihu Barker of Philadelphia. (Conder, 1795)
  • A Map of the Tennassee Government formerly part of North Carolina, taken chiefly from Surveys by Genel. D. Smith & Others. (Conder, 1795)

"The most complete version of this work, in which form it was the most informative compilation on the West at the end of the 18th century. ... [T]he most complete information in the trans-Alleghany region" (Howes). 

According to Reese, this is "One of the most important pieces of Americana of the late-18th century" (Federal).

Condition Description
Octavo. Later antique-style ½ calf over marbled boards, spin in five compartments separated by raised bands, gilt-lettered red morocco lettering piece in the second. 3 engraved folding maps and 1 engraved plan. xii (including half-title, and title), 598, [26], [2] pages. (Profuse late-19th or early-20th century pencil marginalia. Maps with some minor offsetting and fold toning but VG.)
Reference
Best of the West 13; ESTC T55140; Federal Hundred 69; Field 747; Howes I12; Sabin 34358.