Old Mercator World Map Showing Discoveries of Capt. Cook by Carey, 1814: Pacific Centred

Step into the captivating world of early 19th-century exploration with "A Chart of the World According to Mercator's Projection. Shewing the latest Discoveries of Capt. Cook." Crafted by the esteemed American mapmaker Mathew Carey in 1814, this map is a testament to the age of discovery and the spirit of adventure. As one of the first world maps printed in America, it captures the essence of an era when the world was still being charted and understood. Carey's work is a reflection of the burgeoning American cartographic tradition, combining artistry with scientific inquiry.

The map is a visual narrative of Captain James Cook's legendary voyages, meticulously charted with distinct lines that trace his routes across the globe. These journeys, which expanded the boundaries of known geography, are immortalized here, offering a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of exploration. The map not only documents Cook's paths but also highlights areas of the world that were still shrouded in mystery, inviting viewers to imagine the uncharted territories that lay beyond.

Designed using Mercator's projection, the map presents a harmonious blend of aesthetic appeal and functional accuracy. Its original coloring, a rarity for maps of this period, adds a layer of richness and depth, enhancing its visual allure. The map's style is reminiscent of editions found in Guthrie's Geography, suggesting a shared lineage in the plates used for printing. This connection underscores the collaborative nature of cartography during this time, as mapmakers built upon each other's work to refine and expand the world's understanding.

The geographical details on the map reveal the evolving knowledge of the time. Van Diemen's Land is depicted as part of Australia, while New Zealand's primitive shape hints at the nascent stages of its cartographic representation. The NW Coast of America and the Arctic regions are marked with conjectural lines, reflecting the limited exploration of these areas. Annotations regarding fields of ice around the Antarctic Circle and Cook's furthest northern point in July 1779 add layers of historical context, making the map a rich tapestry of exploration narratives.

This map is more than just a representation of the world; it is a historical artifact that encapsulates the spirit of discovery. It invites the viewer to journey back to a time when the world was still being unveiled, one voyage at a time. Whether you are a collector, a history enthusiast, or simply captivated by the art of cartography, this map offers a unique window into the past, where each line and annotation tells a story of adventure, curiosity, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge.

Countries and regions on this map

• Continents:
• North America
• South America
• Europe
• Africa
• Asia
• Australia
• Regions:
• Greenland
• Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania)
• New Zealand
• NW Coast of America
• Arctic Circle
• Antarctic Circle

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Bodies of water:
• The Arctic Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and Pacific Ocean are labeled.
• Historical notes:
• Captain Cook's routes are marked with different types of lines.
• Annotations regarding Cook's furthest northern point in July 1779.
• Fields of ice encountered around the Antarctic Circle.
• Other features:
• The map includes an explanation of the lines used to denote Cook's voyages.
• Annotations about geographical uncertainties and conjectural areas.

Historical and design context

• Created by: Mathew Carey in 1814.
• Historical significance:
• One of the first world maps printed in America.
• Reflects the geographical knowledge and explorations of the early 19th century.
• Design and style:
• Uses Mercator's projection.
• Features original color, which is rare for maps from this period.
• Similar to an edition in Guthrie's Geography, possibly printed from the same plate.
• Themes and topics:
• Exploration and discovery, highlighting Captain Cook's voyages.
• The map includes conjectural areas, reflecting the limited knowledge of certain regions at the time.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 70in (180cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.