Subject: North Pacific Ocean
Period: 1781 (dated)
Publication:
Color: Hand Color
Size:
20 x 18.5 inches
50.8 x 47 cm
A important chart of the North Pacific includes the eastern coast of Asia from Siberia to Malaysia, and the western coast of North America from Alaska to below San Blas, Mexico. 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 atlas 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. Cook Inlet is called Hinchinbrook Sound, Prince William Sound is called Sandwich Sound, and further south Nootka Sound is called King George's Sound. The Riviere de West, ou Entrée d'Aguilar decouverte en 1603 is located just north of Cape Blanco. Cook's ill-fated route to Hawaii and Capt. Clerke's continuing explorations are shown and the route of Spanish Galleons from Acapulco to Manila is delineated. French title at top and notes at bottom are duplicated in German.
References: Kershaw #1137; cf Wagner #672.
Condition: B
Original color with toning on centerfold. There are some tears in the blank margins, not affecting the image.