An Accurate Map of North America [and] An Accurate Map of South America

Pair of mid-18th century maps outlining the Western Hemisphere.

This attractive duo of engraved maps was originally designed by Emanuel Bowen and published in 1747 – the absence of the date in the title cartouche indicates these are a somewhat later issue, probably from 1767. Each image provides a rudimentary overview of the geography, territorial claims, and settlement patterns across North and South America.

Topography is depicted pictorially and toponyms label a fascinating variety of European towns, Native American villages, and geographic features. Of particular interest in South America are Potosi, the mythical Lake Xarayes, and the incomplete coastline of Terra Australis. North America depicts a surprisingly accurate configuration of the Great Lakes, but a largely vacant interior in the West. The title cartouche is cleverly situated to obscure geographic ignorance of the region. Nearby can be seen the ‘Supposed Strait’ of Annian and the legendary land of gold, Quivira.