"Carte Generale des Decouvertes de l'Amiral de Fonte, et autres Navigateurs Espagnols, Anglois et Russes pour la recherche du Passage a la Mer du Sud Par M. De I'Lsle de l'Acadmie royale des Sciences &c. Publiee a Paris en Septembre 1752", Robert de Vaugondy, Didier

One of the more remarkable combinations of fact and fiction in a map of the Pacific Northwest. Its source was an account published in 1708 of what was purported to be a newly discovered account of a voyage in 1640 by the Spanish Admiral, Bartholomew de Fonte. Thereafter, the account was changed and elaborated upon, most notably by this series of maps which appeared in Diderot's Encyclopedia. In its concept it promoted the hopes of a Northwest Passage and depicts the existence of a huge Mer de l'Ouest or the Sea of the West.

References: Pedley #454; Hayes #34.

Condition: A

Tiny hole in blank margin. Trimmed close to neatline on binding side, small tape stain on verso, else fine with a very sharp impression.