1772
Maker: Vaugondy / Diderot.
Antique uncolored map of the west coast of North America, by Vaugondy, 1772. This is from Diderot's encyclopedia and is a 2 on 1 map showing the two early mappings of the west coast of North America, the first after Vischer, the second after Plantius' World map. Both show the Quivera, Baja and a similarly projected east-west coastline. Both maps showing the fictitious Strait of Anian at the top; it was part of the legendary Northwest Passage, the long hoped for link of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, whose existence many explorers attempted to prove, and which James Cook challenged in his third voyage of 1778. Diderot's maps were one of the first surveys of comparative cartography, tackling a number of the early misconceptions of the west coast of North America and the Northeastern Asian Coastline. Very good condition with a center fold as issued. Measures approx. 11.25 x 12.5 inches to the neatline and 17 x 20.5 inches to the paper edges.
Item Number: WES395