Wilkes - 4 Map Engravings (California, Pacific)

Wilkes - 4 Map Engravings (California, Pacific)
Included in the lot:

Map of Low Archipelago or Paumotu Group
Map of Sooloo Sea and Archipelago
Groups in the Western Part of the Pacific Ocean
Map of Upper California


Description of the work:

This historic engraving is from Charles Wilkes's Narrative of the United States Exploring Expedition. During the Years 1838, 1839, 1840, 1841, 1842. The work was published in Philadelphia by Lea and Blanchard in 1845. This is the third edition of the important narrative from Wilkes. It is the earliest and best generally available edition on the market.

The work was the official account of the first seaborne scientific expedition by the United States government. The illustrations for the work depicted the Pacific islands and their natives, Hawaiian volcanoes, Australia, the continent of Antarctica, an early rendition of the outpost at Astoria, an encampment on the Sacramento with Californios relaxing, Mt. Shasta, and more. The work also included significant maps including one of the Western half of the United States, a Chart of the World, the Antarctic, Viti Group and Feejee Islands, the Oregon Territory, and Hawaii or Sandwich Islands.

As Howes notes, this was "The first United States scientific expedition by sea. Wilkes sailed along and surveyed the whole Northwest coast and his exploring parties penetrated into the interior at many points..." Hill notes that Wilkes "sailed into the Antarctic Ocean and along the Antarctic Continent from 150° to 97° East, reporting land at a number of points in the region now known as Wilkesland. He visited Tonga, the Fiji group, and the Hawaiian Islands in 1840, and in 1841 explored the west coast of North America. The findings were timely, in view of the dispute with Great Britain over the Oregon Territory, and he also visited San Francisco Bay and the Sacramento River...."


Paper Size: ~ 13" by 10 3/4" (Fold Out)


Paper Type or Special Features: Engraving

The work is in very good to excellent condition. There may be a few minor imperfections to be expected with age. Please review the image carefully for condition and contact us with any questions.