Catalog Archive
Auction 194, Lot 18

"A New and Complete Chart of the World; Displaying the Tracks of Captn. Cook, and Other Modern Navigators", Bowen, Thomas

Subject: World

Period: 1787 (circa)

Publication: Bankes's New, Royal, and Authentic System of Universal Geography

Color: Hand Color

Size:
18.3 x 12.9 inches
46.5 x 32.8 cm
Download High Resolution Image
(or just click on image to launch the Zoom viewer)

This fascinating map of the world is filled with Captain Cook's tracks from all three voyages. A key at bottom right corresponds the various tracks to each voyage. In North America, there is a fictitious West River, while Alaska is shown with a fairly correct shape. A note on the northwest coast of the continent mentions Fou-sang, a mythical Chinese colony allegedly established in the 5th century. The Sandwich Islands are shown and noted as the place where Capt. Cook was killed. The South Pacific is filled with islands, and New Zealand is fully formed. Tasmania is still attached to Australia, which is shown with an incomplete southern coastline. There are numerous detailed notations throughout. This is the first state of the map with "Engraved for Banke's New System of Geography" above the top neatline.

References: McCorkle (18th C. Geography Books) #11-2; Phillips (Maps) p. 1094.

Condition: B+

There are professional repairs to numerous tiny tears adjacent to the centerfold. There is some light printer's ink residue and chips in the top and bottom blank margins have been replaced with old paper.

Estimate: $400 - $475

Sold for: $325

Closed on 9/13/2023

Archived