Catalog Archive
Auction 195, Lot 722

"Carte du Detroit de Malacca", Dampier, William (Capt.)

Subject: East Indies - Western Indonesia

Period: 1715 (circa)

Publication: Nouveau Voyage autour du Monde

Color: Black & White

Size:
10.9 x 6 inches
27.7 x 15.2 cm
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William Dampier (baptized 1651-1715) was a buccaneer (pirate) and sea captain. He was the first Englishman to explore parts of New Holland and New Guinea, and was the first man to circumnavigate the world three times.
In the 1670s he crewed with buccaneers on the Spanish Main of Central America, which eventually led to his first circumnavigation. On the ship Cygnet, following Pacific-spanning raids that included the East Indies, Manila, and the Spice Islands, Dampier's ship was beached on the northwest coast of Australia in 1688. Waiting for repairs, his scientific interest surfaced as he made notes and drawings on the local fauna and flora. Following three years of further adventures he returned to England. In 1697 he published his experiences in A New Voyage. Described as one of the greatest tales of adventure and exploration ever written, the book was published in several languages. It is reported that Captain Cook used Dampier's nautical observations on his voyages, and Charles Darwin found his books so useful that he took them aboard the Beagle.

This map is roughly centered on the Straits of Malacca and Sincapore, including southern Malaysia and most of Sumatra to about Jambi. It identifies many place names including Malacca, Anchin (Aceh), Borneo, and more. Decorated by a compass rose capped by a fleur-de-lis and rhumb lines.

References:

Condition: B+

Issued folding and now flat with light offsetting. There are narrow margins at top, bottom and right, as issued.

Estimate: $150 - $180

Unsold

Closed on 11/15/2023

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