Jeffreys, Thomas

The American Atlas: or, A Geographical Description of the Whole Continent of America. London: Printed and sold by R. Sayer and J. Bennett, 1776



Large folio (22 x 15 3/4 in.; 560 x 404 mm). Letterpress title, index leaf, 23 maps on 30 all double-page or folding engraved mapsheets except for one single-page by Henry Mouzon, William Scull, Lewis Evans, and others, most maps colored in outline by a contemporary hand, map sheets numbered on versos, maps hinged on guards; light spotting on title and lower margin of index leaf, occasional very light offsetting as usual, a few maps creased near inner fold, imprint of map 12 shaved, map 24 shaved at platemark. Nineteenth-century calf-backed boards, spine gilt; rubbed, upper hinge detached.

Phillips, Atlases 1166; Sabin 35953; Howes J-81; W. Ristow, "Bibliographical Note" in American Atlas (facsimile of this edition), 1973

"One of the most authoritative and comprehensive atlases of America" (Ristow).

After the British victory in the Seven Years War, scientific surveys were undertaken which explored and mapped the interiors of the land east of the Mississippi River. The resulting maps, published separately by Jeffrey's as Geographer to the Prince of Wales (and subsequently to the King) were generally the best available for their respective regions.

This atlas, the publishing decision of Jeffreys' successors Sayer and Bennett, provides a comprehensive record of the thirteen colonies during the Revolutionary War era and includes extensive reconnaisance mapping of French Canada, including Newfoundland. This is the second edition with most maps dated 1775, while maps 5 and 6 conform with the first edition.