12mo. Folding engraved map with hand-coloring. (Map split or splitting along folds affecting image and with some offsetting and toning, some spotting throughout, small marginal losses to a few leaves.) Original brown cloth decorated in gilt and blind (some light soiling and wear). Provenance: Thomas Pingre? (signature); Dudley Bell Priester (1923-2017), Mississippi River collector and bibliographer (bookplate, sold Bloomsbury, 20 November 2009, lot 55A).

FIRST EDITION of "one of the best of the early guidebooks... The schedules of stage-routes are also useful and the map depicts the states of the Northwest, with counties, towns, roads, canals, and railroads, including projected improvements. The data in this book formed the basis of parts of many other guidebooks and gazetteers" (Buck 348). Colton's Guide was very popular and was frequently updated and reissued. The first edition is RARE at auction. Graff 3853; Howes S-615; Sabin 82931.