Morris Birkbeck’s book was first published in Philadelphia in 1817. The first English edition appeared the following year. Very popular, it ran to several editions very quickly. This is the expanded second edition to 163 pages with advert at the end. Birkbeck (1764-1825) was born in England and disenchanted with England emigrated to the USA in 1817. He travelled from Virginia to the Illinois Territory, a region only designated as such in 1809. He quickly became a pioneer and promoter of the area with the publication of this narrative of his travels.

Bound early in some examples is this fine folding map in early outline colour entitled ‘Map of part of the UNITED STATES of NORTH AMERICA, with the TERRIORY of the ILLINOIS on the OHIO, particularly designed to illustrate Birkbeck’s Journey.’ It depicts the Old Northwest and the Ohio Valley. Howes states that it is not always present. Indiana was made the nineteenth State in 1816 and in fact by December 1818 Illinois was made the twenty-first. Curiously the Illinois ‘Territory’ does not reach Lake Michigan. The early roads are depicted as are several forts in the region. Some of the later cities are already recorded including Detroit and Cincinnati. Chicago not yet named, is not shown however the portage is alluded to. Birkbeck would later serve as the Secretary of State of Illinois. Howes (1962) B468; Sabin (1868-1936) 5569.