These two charts detail the islands of French Polynesia where Captain James Cook was sent by the Royal Society to record the transit of Venus across the Sun in 1769.

1) This map of the islands of Tahiti is one of the earliest charts of the island. It is fully engraved to show its unique mountainous topography and rivers radiating from the centrally located mountain or volcano. Engraved by Benard and published in a French edition (15.8 x 9.3").
2) This map of the Society Islands details the islands located northeast of Tahiti. The map is centered on the islands of Raiatea and Tahaa (Ulietea and Otaha) and includes Maupiti (Maurua), Tupai Atoll (Tubai), Bora-Bora (Bolabola), and Huahine (Huaheine) The map is very detailed and includes the coral reefs that surround the islands with relief shown by hachures. This map was engraved by C. van Baarsel and published in a Dutch edition (16.8 x 11").

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Condition: A

Issued folded, now flattened. Minor soil in margins.