Thornton, John, and William Fisher

Folio (485 x 300mm.), printed title, folding engraved general map with additional letterpress text, 25 engraved maps and charts (of which six are double-page, 14 folding, and five within text), with numerous woodcut illustrations, coastal profiles and harbours (including half-page ‘Draught of the Bay of Honda’), ownership inscription on title and preliminary leaf 'Se. Pearse’s Booke 1789’, contemporary sheep, some occasional light browning and offsetting, rebacked and repaired at corners and extremities

the condition of this lot is as described in the catalogue description
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The English Pilot series begun in 1671 by John Seller was continued in publication throughout the eighteenth century by the firm of Mount and Page. Published in six separate books it was the first major sea atlas published in England.

This, the fourth book devoted to the American Eastern seaboard and West Indies is a later edition, but includes some new and important material not found in earlier editions, including the chart of New York Harbour. Despite its age, it was still the standard pilot book for use in these waters.

An interesting feature of the Southack ‘New England’ is the extensive manuscript additions and annotations that were made by the former owner, Pearse, whose name appears on the title, clearly a knowledgeable seaman. At far right, the “Isle Sable Bank” has been added in, with various annotations, including “By a good Observation the 6th April 1789 I find the South part of the Isle Sable Bank to be Lattde. 42° 49m N. NB Sounded directly after Observing with 155 Fathom no Ground”.