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"This animated map of North America presents an engaging snapshot of the political circumstances in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Territorial claims of Spain, France, and Britain are carefully outlined and labeled, reflecting over two centuries of military rivalry and competition for resources. One of the most important economic factors was the fur trade, reflected by scattered vignettes of foxes, beavers, and deer. Two insets show areas of particular consequence to the French, as they protected the strategic waterways of the Mississippi and St. Lawrence Rivers. The area around the delta of the former is shown in the upper left, while the lower right presents a dual-image view/plan of Quebec. Toponyms identify a fascinating variety of European settlements, Native American villages, and geographic features. Of particular interest is the mine at St. Louis de Potosi, les Checagou (the future site of Chicago), and the Province of Quivira, a mythical land of gold. Numerous annotations provide further important details on local Native American tribes, the availability of resources, and the history of exploration across the continent. The map was designed by Henri Abraham Chatelain to promote the efforts of the recently established Compagnie d'Occident. This financial venture, the brainchild of Scottish economist John Law, aimed to pay off the debts of the late King Louis XIV by encouraging emigration and resource extraction in New France. Originally published in Paris in 1719 as part of Chatelain's important Atlas Historique. This monumental seven-volume set was first issued in Amsterdam between 1705 and 1720, but was re-printed in numerous in several subsequent editions until the late 1730s. The scholarly, but approachable, work was aimed at a broad audience, eager for new information during the Age of Enlightenment. The breadth of content offers a nuanced synthesis of geography, cosmography, history, religion, ethnology, and political science. The descriptive text (in French) and skillfully engraved maps, diagrams, and illustrations provide a fascinating window into the world of the early 18th century. Sources: Verner and Stuart-Stubbs #11; Kershaw #332; Bibliotheque nationale de france" Sheet Width (in) 20.25 Sheet Height (in) 17.4 Condition Description A crisp, dark impression highlighted with vibrant modern hand color. Some worming has affected the lower half of the left and right margins (well away from the image) and there is a hard crease in the lower left corner. Some light discoloration along the plate line from the original strike. Good to very good condition overall. Blank on verso. Seller Inventory # 6155
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