Antique map of Cook's Strait in New Zealand.

titled: Kaart van Cooks Straat in Nieuw Zeeland

From a Dutch edition of Captain Cook's voyages: 'Reize rondom de Waereld door James Cook' (Captain Cook's Travels). ‘Captain Cook's Travels' appeared in print from 1778 in English, Italian, French and Dutch editions. This publication is considered the foundation of modern knowledge of the Pacific and a cornerstone of the literature of travel and exploration. Captain Cook's Travels served not only to contribute to many diverse fields of knowledge but also to inspire many who followed after him. The knowledge accumulated during these explorations greatly expanded the awareness of the world's geography, and his writings, maps, and drawings significantly aided in future navigations, thus making sea travel much more certain.