A large draught of the east end of Java and Madura shewing shewing the Streights of Bally

Acquired From: Leen Helmink

Colouring: Uncoloured

Condition: Excellent

Confirmed: No

Date Acquired: 21/5/2024

Dealers ID No.: 19305

Description: Samuel Thornton, the son of the renowned chartmaker John Thornton, inherited his father's chartmaking business after Johns death in 1708. Building on his fathers legacy, Samuel continued to produce and republish vital sea charts that played a key role in navigation during Englands maritime expansion. One notable chart is A Large Draught of the East End of Java and Madura Shewing the Streights of Bally, which highlights critical maritime routes around Java, Madura, and the Bali Strait in Southeast Asia. nOriginally part of The English Pilot. The Third Book, first published in 1711, this second edition, is identified by the updated imprint to Samuel Thornton, reflects the growing English interest in the lucrative spice trade and navigation in the East Indies. By the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries, the East Indies had become a focal point of European exploration and trade, dominated by the Dutch East India Company (VOC). English navigators and merchants relied on charts like this one to compete effectively and navigate the often-hazardous seas of Southeast Asia.nThis map documents significant Dutch discoveries on the western coast of New Holland (todays Australia) including those of including those of:n Dirk Hartog (1616): The first European known to have set foot on the western coast of Australia, naming it "'t Landt van Eendracht" (Land of Eendracht). Although it is mistakenly dated as 1628 with the label "The land of Endracht discovered Anno 1628 by the Dutch" [sic].n Frederick de Houtman (1619): Conducted further explorations along the west coast.n The Leeuwin (1622): A Dutch ship whose name was given to the southwestern cape of Australia, now known as Cape Leeuwin.n Pieter Nuyts (1627): Mapped parts of the southern coast of Australia, known for his journey on the 't Gulden Zeepaert (Golden Seahorse).n Gerrit Frederikszoon de Witt (1628): His discoveries contributed to mapping part of the Australian coastline, leading to the designation "G.F. de Wits Land."nAdditionally, the map features an inset detailing William Dampier's discoveries in 1699 at Shark Bay, including depth soundings of the surrounding waters. Dampier, a seasoned mariner, landed on Australias west coast during his expedition aboard the HMS Roebuck. His detailed surveys of Shark Bay and the surrounding coastal areas are reflected in Thorntons work.nAfter Samuel Thorntons death in 1715, ownership of The Third Book passed to Richard Mount and Thomas Page. They issued eight further editions of the work between 1716 and 1761.

First published: Third Book of The English Pilot. The Third Book…, London: John How, 1711

Image Size (cm): 43.7×53

Mapmaker: Thornton, Samuel (1665-1715)

Notes: Purchase details

Primary Category: Sea Charts

Rarity: R2 Very rare – one or two copies appear on the market

References: Certificate of Authentication

Technique: Copper Engraving

This state: 1745, Second

Website: Click here