"A General Map of the Discoveries of Admiral De Fonte & others, by M. De l'Isle", Delisle, Joseph Nicholas

This fascinating map details the discoveries of Tchirikow, Bering, Bernarda, Spanberg and others. The major focus of the map is on Admiral Bartholomew de Fonte's purported exploration of the Pacific Northwest. In 1708, a newly discovered account of the Spanish Admiral's 1640 expedition was published. It was actually a hoax, but thereafter the account was elaborated upon by numerous mapmakers. The extravagant claims included the discovery of the Northwest Passage and a huge Sea of the West, both shown on this map.

References: Jolly GENT-88; Wagner #561.

Condition: A

Folding, as issued with a short binding trim at lower right, nearly to the neatline.