A. Carte de l'Entree de Norton, et du Detroit de Bhering ou l'on voit le Cap le Plus Oriental de l'Asie, et la Pointe la Plus Occidentale de l'Amerique, by Cook/Benard, from Troisieme Voyage de Cook, ou Voyage a l'Ocean Pacifique…, circa 1785 (15.2 x 10.4"). French edition of this map from the expedition of Capt. James Cook. It covers the Bering Strait from south of Norton Sound to north of Cap du Prince de Galles and the corresponding coastline of Russia. Features include islands, place names, soundings, and hachures representing coastal mountains. Isles de Clerke (St. Lawrence Island) is partially shown. The tracks of both the 1778 and 1779 exploration are delineated; Cook having done the former and Clerke the latter after Cook's death in Hawaii in February 1779. Ref: Shirley (BL Atlases) G.COOK-4a #15. Condition: A crisp impression issued folding on watermarked paper with a few minor rust spots. (B+)

B. Behring's Strait, by John Luffman, from Luffman's Select Plans, dated 1802 (4.8 x 5.9"). This handsome little map of the strait separating Asia and Alaska features nice detail derived from the recent explorations in the area. John Luffman was an engraver, publisher, and goldsmith who worked in London from about 1776 until 1820. He published a number of separate maps as well as atlases such as his Select Plans of the Principal Cities, Harbours, Forts &c. in the World. Condition: A nice impression on a lightly toned sheet with binding holes in the left blank margin. (B)

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Condition:

See description above.