This copper engraved chart was published the year before Cook's map describing his discoveries reached England. The map contains some fascinating features including the Sea of the West, named at the Strait of Juan de Fuca but not drawn on the map. In the far Northwest, coastal discoveries are credited to Capt. Bering and Captain Tschirkov and Mr. de l'Isle, all in 1741. Cape Blanco discovered by Martin d'Aguilar in 1603, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca discovered in 1592. The coastline stops short of Alaska at Cape St. Elias, but does show the short lived Alaschka Island in the Bering Strait. The Aleutian chain is eluded to by a scattering of islands in the sea between North America and Asia. California is labeled New Albion and a large region northwest of the Great Lakes is a "Gr. Space Unknown." The large New Mexico region encompasses all of present-day Louisiana and Texas, and extends west to the Colorado River, here called the Martyres River. East and West Florida are clearly shown and Virginia, the Carolinas, and Georgia all extend to the Mississippi River.
This lot also includes two more maps from the same publication. "An Accurate Map of Italy from the latest Improvements, and Regulated by Astronomical Observations" (11 x 8"). Good condition with a little light foxing, more in margins. "A New & Accurate Map of Asia…" (16 x 12.5"). In fair condition with soft creases and a tear into Australia with no loss.

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Condition: B

A nice impression on thick hand laid paper with full margins. Several soft creases from mis-folding and some surface soiling or light foxing.