CHRISTMAS ISLAND, 1785

A rare original copper-plate engraving (Plate 32) from the 1785 account of Cook’s Third Voyage, by William Bligh and published by G. Nicol and T. Cadell, London; the island of Kiritimati, named Christmas Island by Cook on account of his discovery thereof on Christmas Eve 1777; it is the largest coral atoll in the Pacific and the anchorages of both ships, Resolution and Discovery, are shown on the map; presented in very good condition, protected in clear film sleeve - image size 17.8 x 21cm (7 x 8 1/4in)