[MAPS]. SAYER, Robert (1725-1794) and Richard Bennett. A New map of the whole continent of America, divided into North and South and West Indies. London: Robert Sayer, 1786.

Engraved wall map on four sheets joined into two (1029 x 1219 mm), skillful modern hand-coloring, wooden poster rails (conserved and backed on modern linen, numerous repairs including some losses near top edge, wear mostly at sheet breaks). An important and highly accurate map of the Americas, first issued in 1763 by John Gibson and re-issued six times over a thirty-one-year period with geographical updates, new titling and other revisions. Depicts the rarely noted mythical Chinese colony of “Fou Sang” on the northwest coast. Includes an elaborate title cartouche with an alligator, waterfall, palm trees and other flora. With an inset map of northern Canada featuring Hudson and Baffin Bays, and an inset listing political land holdings. This is one of the earliest obtainable English language wall maps of the Americas and one of the earliest maps printed in England to acknowledge America's independence. Wheat, Transmississippi West 206; Wagner, Northwest Coast 692.