This fine large hand coloured original antique
map of the Straits of Magellan and the Patagonian shore South America was
published in 1785 in the French edition of Cooks Voyages.
This detailed map includes information on
shoreline topography, different channels, soundings, shoals, harbors and small
islands. Anchorages, capes & bays. Top of chart includes 4 finely engraved
landfall approach views of 1.Vue Du Port Famine 2. Cap Beau Tems 3.Cap Des
Vierges 4. Rochers blanc. (white rocks). Chart includes large compass rose and
depicts the discoveries of the navigators, Byron, Wallis and Carteret.
Cook was recognized by his contemporaries
as a highly competent navigator and scientific observer. The map clearly details
his departure from the more established routes crossing the Pacific at a higher
latitude, making it inevitable that he reached New Holland's east coast. Note
the more northerly route taken by Cooks predecessors through calmer waters, thus
missing the prize of the east coast of Australia.
Shortly after the return of the Cook expedition (3rd) to England, copies of the
engravings were smuggled out to Paris and a French issue of the third voyage was
published in Paris, 1785. The engravings by Webber (Official artist of the
voyage) were used by the French engraver Benard, with French titles substituted.
These were of equal quality to the English edition, on good strong hand-made
paper. Many of the views are the first ever seen in Europe of the Pacific
Islands.
The first printed account of the first voyage under Cook's command was this
anonymously published work. Surreptitiously edited and printed by Thomas Becket
only two months after the expedition returned to England, it was published
almost two years before the official account by John Hawkesworth appeared. As
described on the title page, the book related "various occurrences of the
voyage, with descriptions of several new discovered countries in the southern
hemisphere." The work also provided much information about the native
inhabitants encountered on the voyage, including "a concise vocabulary of the
language of Otahitee" [Tahiti]. The text was quickly disseminated with a second
English edition published in Dublin as well as translations into German and
French the following year. French editions were also printed in 1773, 1777,
1782, and 1793. (Ref: M&B; Tooley)
Paper thickness and
quality: - Very heavy and stable
Paper color: - off white
Age of map color: - Later
Colors used: - Yellow, green, brown
General color appearance: - Authentic
Paper size: - 30 1/2in x 21 1/2in (775mm x 545mm)
Plate size: - 30in x 20in (765mm x 510mm)
Margins: - 1/4 in (6mm)
Imperfections:
Margins: - None
Plate area: - Folds as issued
Verso: - None
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