This fine, large, very handsome & incredibly important original antique map of New Zealand - the 1st complete map of the Islands - by Lieutenant James Cook during his first voyage of discovery to the Southern Hemisphere (between 1768 & 1771) - was published in the 1st French version of John Hawkesworth's voyages in 1774.
The map was engraved by the eminent French engraver Robert Benard, responsible for many of the prints and maps of the French period of enlightenment during the 18th century.

Before James Cook only the Dutchman Abel Tasman had charted any of the New Zealand coastline in 1642 some 127 years previously. So accurate were Cook's survey's of the New Zealand coastline in 1769 that some of his survey data was still in use 100 years after his first work.
This map is in excellent condition, light folds as issued on clean very heavy sturdy and stable paper. The impression is heavy clear indicating it is from a very early pressing.

Cook's First Voyage (1768-1771)
The first voyage under Captain James Cook's command was primarily of a scientific nature. The expedition on the Endeavour initially sailed to Tahiti to observe the transit of the planet Venus in order to calculate the earth's distance from the sun. Cook landed on the South Pacific island in April of 1769 and in June of that year the astronomical observations were successfully completed. In addition to these labors, very good relations with the Tahitians were maintained and the naturalists Joseph Banks and Daniel C. Solander conducted extensive ethnological and botanical research.
Another purpose of the voyage was to explore the South Seas to determine if an inhabitable continent existed in the mid-latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere. Upon leaving Tahiti, Cook named and charted the Society Islands and then continued southwest to New Zealand. His circumnavigation and exploration of that country also resulted in a detailed survey. Cook proceeded to Australia, where he charted the eastern coast for 2,000 miles, naming the area New South Wales. As a result of these surveys, both Australia and New Zealand were annexed by Great Britain. In addition to these explorations, the Endeavour returned to England without a single death from scurvy among its men, an historic feat at the time. The combination of these accomplishments brought Cook prominence, promotion, and the opportunity to lead further expeditions. (Ref Tooley; M&B; Clancy)

General Description:
Paper thickness and quality: - Heavy and stable
Paper color: - White
Age of map color: -  
Colors used: - 
General color appearance: -  
Paper size: - 21in x 17 1/2in (535mm x 445mm)
Plate size: - 20in x 16in (510mm x 405mm)
Margins: - 1/2in (12mm)

Imperfections:
Margins: - Bottom half left margin extended from just outside border
Plate area: - Folds as issued, light creasing
Verso: - None

If you wish to discuss this or any other item
please email or call - good luck, Simon.
Classical Images
61 (0) 409 551910 Tel
simon@classicalimages.com

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