Father Kino's Important Map of California

"Passage by Land to California Discovered by Father Eusebius Francis Kino a Jesuit; Between the Years 1698, & 1701: Containing Likewise the New Missions of the Jesuits [Bound in] Travels of the Jesuits", Kino, Eusebio Francisco, SJ

This is an English version of Father Kino's important map that disproved the theory that California was an island. This was the first map to accurately depict the region, in particular the relative positions of the Colorado and Gila rivers and the correct location of the rivers, valleys and mountains of part of Sonora and Arizona. Kino's publication, first issued in 1705, was intended to disprove the island theory, but instead actually fueled the controversy and thus the map was reprinted many times. This scarce map is essential to any collection of California or the American Southwest, and this example is more desirable as it is still bound in its equally scarce source book. Vol. I. Pag. 395 in upper right corner. Engraved by Emmanuel Bowen.

The map is bound in the first volume Travels of the Jesuits, into Various Parts of the World, an abridgement of the first ten volumes of the Lettres Edifiantes by John Lockman and published by John Noon. There are three additional maps and one plate in the volume, all engraved by Emmanuel Bowen:

A. A Map of Tierra del Fuego: and of the Straits of Magellan, & Le Maire: with the New Islands of Anycan and Beauchene (8.8 x 5")
B. Nangasak Call'd by the Chinese Tchangk (9.1 x 5.2") This map is disbound and may belong to Volume II, which is not included in this lot.
C. Mission of the Moxis, or Moxes: Settled by the Jesuits in Peru (4.9 x 7")
D. The Plant Called Gin-Seng

487 pp., Octavo, full original calf with raised bands and red leather label on spine with title in gilt.

References: Sabin #40708.

Condition: B+

The condition code is for the maps and plate, which have light offsetting and an occasional spot of foxing. The text has very minor toning, occasional foxing, and page 259 has a large chip at bottom right. The covers show minor wear, the front cover is detached, and the back hinge is starting. The spine cracked with several chips.