Captain James Cook (1728-1779) is best known for his three voyages to the Pacific (1768-71; 1772-75; and 1776-79). His discoveries radically changed the western understanding of the world in the late 18th century. He was the first to circumnavigate and chart New Zealand and provided the earliest European accounts of exploration along the eastern coast of Australia and the Hawaiian Islands. On February 14th, 1779, he was killed on Hawaii after attempting to kidnap the chief of the island.

Many contemporary accounts of Cook’s voyages, including charts and engravings, appeared in the late 18th century. The first official account of Cook’s first voyage was published in 1773 by John Hawkesworth in Volumes II and III of An Account of the Voyages Undertaken by the Order of His Present Majesty for Making Discoveries in the Southern Hemisphere... William Strahan and Thomas Cadell published the first official accounts of the second and third voyages in 1777 and 1784. Accounts of his exploration were subsequently translated into French, German, and Dutch.

A. Vue de Huaheine, from Atlas du Troisieme Voyage de Cook, circa 1785 (18.3 x 9.1"). Well rendered view of the harbor of Huahine with numerous native canoes and two sailing ships. Huahine is one of the Society Islands and lies northwest of Tahiti. Cook had visited this island on earlier voyages, first stopping in 1769. The Society Islands were great favorites with Cooks' crew. Finely detailed with some of the trees and shelters reflected in the water. Engraved by Robert Benard. Condition: Issued folding on watermarked paper with slight wear along the folds and faint soiling in the blank margins.

B. View of the Causeway or Landing Place &c. Near Pelew the Capital of the Pelew Islands, dated 1793 (8.1 x 6.9"). Another serene view, this one of the Micronesian island of Palau. Boats, huts, and exotic vegetation are visible. A note beneath the image reads, "Drawn on the Spot, by an Officer of the Antelope Packet." The Antelope was a packet ship with the British East India Company. Engraved by Wilkes, and published by Alexander Hogg. Condition: A dark impression with touch of marginal soiling.

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Condition: A

See description above.