Jeffreys, Thomas | A cartographical record of emerging colonial interests in the West Indies

Jefferys, Thomas

A Description of the Spanish Islands and Settlements on the Coast of the West Indies… London: T. Jefferys, 1762

4to (275 x 210 mm). 32 folding engraved maps by Jefferys, frontispiece map hand-colored in outline, map 30 bound after p. 94; some foxing and browning, one or two short closed tears, one or two instances of offsetting. Contemporary half calf and marbled paper-covered boards, spine with raised bands in six compartments, second with gilt maroon morocco lettering piece; overall rubbed with loss, upper joint cracked, lower board detached. Housed in custom slipcase.

First edition. The present work was published at a crucial time for colonial interests in the West Indies. Hostilities between Britain, France, and Spain had ceased, with Britain temporarily in possession of most of the French islands. Despite fierce lobbying from West Indian planters, the major islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique were returned to France as part of the trade-off by which France agreed to quit Canada.

REFERENCES:

Palau 123372; Phillips 3941; Sabin 35959

PROVENANCE:

Samuel Reynardson (early ownership inscription to title)