La Nuova Francia.
10 1/2 x 14 1/2 inches, Fine condition with a strong impression. The very scarce first state of the second woodblock of “the first printed map devoted to the New England region” (Osher). It also contains the most accurate early delineation of the New York Harbor based on the first European sighting of it by Verrazano: “the best surviving early map to register this momentous episode“ (Augustyn/Cohen). The harbor’s two large bays separated by the narrows named after Verrazano are clearly delineated on the map, though their orientation tilts incorrectly to the west. Manhattan itself, at least in insular form, is not shown on the map, as Verrazano did not enter either the East or the Hudson River in his brief reconnaissance of the harbor. The map is a lively woodcut filled with charming representations of Indians and their customs as well as of flora and fauna. Most of the illustrations of Indian life on the map are in the area of “Port du Refuge,” Narragansett Bay, where Verrazano and his crew stayed ashore longer than at any other locale on their voyage. The long snake-like shape shadowing the coastline is a crude representation of the Grand Banks. Two fishermen in an open boat dragging their net suggest this area’s then abundant fishing. This and other details on the map were drawn from a letter written by Verrazano describing his voyage. Verrazano’s participation in the map is further borne out by the two ships at lower right and left, both having fleurs de lis in their sails; Verrazano sailed in behalf of Charles I of France. The fact that the map was based on a written document would in part account for its sketch-like simplicity. Indicative of the primitive nature of its cartography is that Cape Breton Island is shown as nearly adjacent to Buzzard's Bay on Cape Cod.
* Osher, Maine 175 (Exhibition Catalogue) #1; Augustyn/Cohen, Manhattan In Maps, pp. 18-19; Burden 25, state 2; Goss, J. North America, Map 8.
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