Part of Japan or Nippon. View of the coast of Japan when we first saw it: the hill A bearing 3 miles distant. .

Rare c.18th engraved map and view from the official British Admiralty sanctioned edition of the accounts of Cook’s third and final voyage.

The map is of the north-east coast of Honshu, Japan, extending from Cape Nambu (Cape Shiriyazaki) in the north to White Point (Onjuku) in the south, with inset coastal profile. This shows the tracks of Cook’s ships from 24 October until 2 November 1779 as they sailed along the Japanese coast. On Wednesday 3 November the decision was made to sail for China due to poor weather conditions. Cook/King III, 3, p.405.

‘..and at day-break of the 26th, we had the pleasure of descrying high land to the Westward, which proved to be Japan.

From Cook & King, A Voyage to the Pacific Ocean, for making Discoveries in the Northern Hemisphere. Performed under the Direction of Captains Cook, Clerke, and Gore, in His Majesty’s Ships the Resolution and Discovery; in the Years 1776, 1777, 1778, 1779, and 1780.

References:
Beddie, M. Bibliography of Captain James Cook, RN,FRS, Circumnavigator. Sydney 1970 1543 & 1743-6, p.339.
Joppien,R. & Smith, B. The Art of Captain Cook’s Voyages; Vol. I, II & III. Melbourne 1985-1987 3.10A, ill.p.272.
Forbes, D. Hawaiian National Bibliography 1780- 1830. Honolulu /Sydney, 1999/2003 62; cf.
Carter, J. & Muir, P. Printing and the Mind of Man London 1983 223.
Sabin, J. A Dictionary of Books Relating to America, from its Discovery to the Present Time. New York. (1936) 1967. 16250.
Hill, J. The Hill Collection of Pacific Voyages. San Diego 1974 321.

Collections:
State Library New South Wales: CALL NUMBERS RB/F990A/9
State Library Victoria: RARELT 910.41 C773VS
State Library South Australia: Special Collection: 919 C771