David Spilman Fine Books

Carte De La Cote N. O. de l'Amerique et de la Cote N. E. de l'Asie reconnues en 1778 ef 1779; [Atlas encyclopédique, 1788, Paris, #131][André, scup]

Bonne, Rigobert [Nicolas Desmarest]

Paris: [Hotel de Thou], 1788. Very Good. First State. [Neat line 9x13.5in, good margins] Colored map of Northwest coast of North America and Northeast coast of Siberia from about 40 degrees north to the arctic circle, inset of 'Plan de l'Entree de Nootka' (Nootka sound on Vancouver Island), tracks of James Cook's third voyage (Resolution and Discovery, 1776-1780), details tracks along Alaskan and Siberian coasts through the Bering Strait, magnetic declinations, coastal features and mountains, soundings, and hazards, upper left 'Cook 3rd Voyage' and upper right '131', prime meridian of Paris, French scale, vertical fold crease; Light age toning with darken crease line, strong impression. CS. Item #14275

Rigobert Bonne (1727-1795) was one of the most important cartographers of the late 18th century. In 1773, he succeeded Jacques Bellin as Royal Cartographer to France in the office of the Hydrographer at the Depôt de la Marine. Working in his official capacity Bonne compiled some of the most detailed and accurate maps of the period. Bonne’s work represents an important step in the evolution of the cartographic ideology away from the decorative work of the 17th and early 18th century towards a more detail oriented and practical aesthetic. With regard to the rendering of terrain Bonne maps bear many stylistic similarities to those of his predecessor, Bellin. However, Bonne maps generally abandon such common 18th century decorative features such as hand coloring, elaborate decorative cartouche, and compass roses. While mostly focusing on coastal regions, the work of Bonne is highly regarded for its detail, historical importance, and overall aesthetic appeal.[Wikipedia]

This map centers on Alaska, Eastern Siberia and the Bering Strait, with a detailed insert of Nootka Sound. The map was published in the two volume Atlas Encyclopédique that accompanied the three volume Encyclopédie méthodique: Géographie ancienne; Géographie moderne; Géographie physique by Nicolas Demarest and Bonne.

This was from the library of Dr. G. Warren Smith (1941-2021) of Pennsylvania. He had a long career as university professor and administrator, and was a collector of over 6,000 books, maps, illustrations, and artifacts relating to the Arctic, Alaska and Pacific Northwest.

Price: $170.00