North America--Champlain, Samuel.

Armstrong, From Sea unto Sea... Maps of Canada (1982); Burden, The Mapping of  North America 160

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
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A large, finely-engraved map of the northeast part of America, drawn by "The Father of New France" from his personal observations, made in over twenty voyages to Canada and New England.

Champlain was the driving force behind the initial success of French attempts at gaining a foothold in America. The map accompanied the publication of Les voyages du Sieur de Champlain, which included large-scale plans for potential harbours, an important description, and promotional account, of Canada.

Described by Burden as "very rare", Champlain's map of 1612 is perhaps the most important single map in the history of Canada, and can be regarded as a foundation document for Canada. It is also the first printed map to allude to the St. Lawrence River and Great Lakes system based on factual (rather than hearsay or imaginary) evidence.

"Champlain is more than a cartographer. He is also Canada's first exploration artist. The great map of 1612 shows for the first time the diversity of Canada 's wealth. The artistry is overwhelming... beaver, foxes and other animals indicate the future fur-trade potential. There is an abundance of sea life, vegetation, and the ever-present expanse of forest  resources... the map makes a political statement; it is not the work of a bureaucrat, but of a skilful psychologist, and politician" (Armstrong).