Dutch World Chart of Captain Cook's 3 voyages. c1785

by Cook, Captain James

Algemeene Kaart van de ontdekkingen van Capit. J. Cook gedaan op zyne drie togten met de koers van de schepen onder zyn bevel, door H. Robert Lieutenant in 's konings zeedienst. (General Map exhibiting the discoveries made by Captain James Cook in this and his two preceding voyages with the tracks of the ships under his command. By Lieutenant (Henry) Roberts of his Majesty's Navy, under Cook's instruction on board Resolution, and completed "from the latest and best authorities" by Roberts as directed by the Lord Commissioners of the Admiralty - after the completion of the third voyage during which Captain Cook was killed by Hawaiian natives during a discussion over stolen boats.

Original antique map engraved by Cornelis van Baarsel (born Utrecht,1761 - died Amsterdam, 1826) for publication in a Dutch edition of the Voyages of Captain Cook published in Amsterdam c1785. This map records Cook's 1st voyage in Endeavour, in 1768,1769, 1770 and 1771; his 2nd voyage in Resolution in 1772, 1773, 1774 and 1775. and the 3rd voyage in Resolution in 1776, 1777, 1778, 1779 and 1790.

The unknown southern land (Terra Australis Incognita) was known as New Holland after the Dutch charted the west coast when blown off course during voyages to the Spice Islands (Indonesia). This is an important map for anyone interested in Captain Cook's amazing navigational records. Captain Cook's discoveries were so important they were re-issued in other countries and languages soon after his voyages were published in England.

To the map's border measures 88cm x 53cm (24 5/8 inches x 20 7/8 inches), and extends a little beyond this - particularly for the undamaged inclusion of the title across the top of the map (as above). The map is slightly damaged where it is close-cropped at the left below a repaired short tear at 32.3cm (12.3/4 inches) from the top of the page (at the base of the section where the map was bound when published). The map has 2 horizontal folds and 8 vertical folds, to fit the size of publication. This wonderful map has slight soiling at top left corner, but otherwise minimal damage considering its size and age.