With dozens of rare color maps and other documents, Early Mapping of the Pacific follows the story of map-making, exploration and colonization in the Pacific Ocean.It covers the history of ocean exploration from 16th century Portuguese mariners to 20th century explorers and includes a cornucopia of rare and beautiful maps of the Pacific Ocean, in particular, of Hawaii, Tahiti, Australia and New Zealand, among other Pacific Islands and territories. Early Mapping of the Pacific traces the exploration and charting of the great ocean through cartography, following the story from classical times through the turn of the twentieth century, telling the tales of seafarers who ventured eastward from Asia and were the Pacific's greatest explorers.Chapters include:The Pacific Islands and Their PeopleMariners, Mapmakers and the Great OceanThe Pacific Evolves after MagellanIn the Wake of the Solomon IslandsEarliest Mapping of Australia and New ZealandThe Age of EnlightenmentThe Three Voyages of James CookThe Discovery of Tahiti and HawaiiMicronesia, the Elusive IslesSurveyors, Whalers and Missionaries.