A scarce 18th century view of New York

BURGIS, William.

The South Prospect of the City of New York, in North America. Engrav'd For the London Magazine, 1761.
London, c.1761. Coloured. 175 x 520mm.

Binding folds flattened.

A rare view of New York City from Long Island, lettered wih a 22-point key. The index, originally in the text of the Magazine, names the places as: 1 Fort; 2 Chapel; 3 Secretary's Office; 4 Great Dock; 5 Ruins of Whitehall; 6 Part Nuttens Island (Governors Island); 7 Part Long Island; 8 The Lower Market; 9 The Crane; 10 Great Flesh Market; 11 Dutch Church; 12 English Church; 13 City Hall; 14 Exchange; 15 French Church; 16 Upper Market; 17 The Station Ship; 18 Wharf; 19 Wharf for Building Ships; 20 Ferry House, Long Island; 21 Cattle Pen; Col. Morris's Fancy turning to Windward.
The view is based on a view drawn by William Burgis, engraved by John Harris on four plates measuring a total of 6 feet, and published in London c.1720. In 1746 Thomas Bakewell issued an updated edition, and this reduced version was copied from that to accompany a written account of New York, in the London Magazine, a monthly newspaper. There are two near-identical plates, both dated 1761, but the other has 'In America' in the title. This is likely the later version, but he have been unable to ascertain when it was published.


Stock ID : 22903