Subject: North Pacific Ocean
Period: 1781 (dated)
Publication:
Color: Hand Color
Size:
20 x 18.5 inches
50.8 x 47 cm
A rarely seen chart of the North Pacific that includes parts of China, Siberia, Alaska and the coast of North America to below San Blas, Mexico. In Asia, it extends to include the northern part of Borneo. Of special interest is the uncommon depiction of icebergs "Continent de Glace ferme" wedged in the Bering Strait between Alaska and Russia. This is the first folio map to show Cook's third voyage. It was based on the smaller "A Chart of the Discoveries Made by the Late Capt. Cook, & Other European Navigators, in the Great Pacific Ocean between Asia & America" by Thomas Kitchin. Kitchin's map appeared in the July and December issues of the 1780 London Magazine, though the extensive explanatory note below the map credits its publication in the Gentleman's Magazine (see LOND-336 & 337). In addition to the track of Cook's voyage, the map shows "the most recent discoveries of the Spanish, Russians and English through 1780." In Alaska the discoveries of the Russians and the English are identified. Named are Cape Prince of Wales, Norton Sound, Bristol Bay, volcanoes, and Cape St. Elias. Prince Williams Sound is called Sandwich Sound. In the ocean the routes of famous explorers are boldly shown to include Cook's ill-fated route to Hawaii and Capt. Clerke's continuing explorations. The route of Spanish Galleons from Acapulco to Manila is delineated. The cities of Nanking, Canton, Macao and Peking are shown in China, and Meaco and Jedo in Japan. French title at top and notes at bottom are duplicated in German.
References:
Condition: B+
Fine impression and original margins. Some faint paper stretching along centerfold, a short printer's crease from left margin and two light spots.