Sold for $25,000

Engraved map of Virginia (edges slightly trimmed or frayed affecting longitude and latitude, 3/4-in. tear lower margin with old repair verso). Overall sheet 325 x 410 mm. Float-mounted and framed. Vignette depicting a Native American ceremony, Royal arms of England, Smith's arms with motto, strapwork cartouche, large Native American figure, galleon.

"ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT PRINTED MAPS OF AMERICA EVER PRODUCED AND CERTAINLY OF THE GREATEST INFLUENCE" (Burden)

State 10, with page numbers in the upper corners altered to "1690" and "1691." The present state was used for Smith's own The Generall Historie of Virginia, New-England and the Summer Isles and Samuel Purchas's Purchas his Pilgrimes (London, 1625-1632). "It became the prototype for the area for half a century until Augustine Hermann's map of 1673. First issued separately in London, it accompanied many editions of various publications for another twenty years. It, therefore, was seen widely and inspired much interest in the fledgling Virginia colony, influencing considerably its eventual success. Consequently the east coast of North America became dominated by the English. To this day the map is still used by archaeologists to locate native Indian villages. It records 166 of them, and is remarkably detailed" (Burden 164). Tooley, The Mapping of America, p.157.