"[Lot of 3] Offrandes Faites au Capitaine Cook, aux Isles Sandwich [and] The Death of Captain Cook at Owhyhee… [and] A Canoe of the Sandwich Islands, in the North Pacific Ocean with Rowers Maskes", Cook, James (Capt.)

This lot includes very early engraved views of Hawaii from Cook's third and final voyage. Cook explored Hawaii before heading north to explore the Pacific coast, where he tracked past the Bering Strait before being turned back by ice. The expedition then sailed south to Hawaii, where Cook was killed in a dispute with the natives at Karakakooa Bay on February 14th, 1779. Clerke, his second-in-command, took over the expedition and they surveyed further in Hawaii before returning north to continue the exploration for the Northwest Passage. The maps were published in the official account of Cook's Third Voyage, with the first map appearing in the French edition (Troisieme Voyage de Cook, ou Voyage a l'Ocean Pacifique…).

A. Offrandes Faites au Capitaine Cook, aux Isles Sandwich, circa 1785 (14.2 x 8.5"). This scene shows Captain Cook being offered a roast pig in the company of priests at the house of Lono, the God of Agriculture. Behind Cook is a wooden idol that Cook describes as being of the same kind as those on Morai. This is the French edition engraved by Benard. Condition: Issued folding with a light damp stain at top and a small edge tear in the upper blank margin. (B+)

B. The Death of Captain Cook at Owhyhee..., circa 1800 (5 x 7"). This scene shows the final skirmish between Cook's men and the natives which led to his capture and ultimate death. Engraved by Grainger. Condition: Wide margins with a few minor spots in the image. (B+)

C. A Canoe of the Sandwich Islands, in the North Pacific Ocean with Rowers Masked, circa 1800 (5 x 7"). This attractive engraving shows a Hawaiian War Canoe filled with men wearing ceremonial gourd helmets and feathers. Engraved by Page. Condition: Marginal soiling. (A)

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See description above.