4506

CAPTAIN COOK'S THIRD VOYAGE IN THREE VOLUMES, PLUS ATLAS FOLIO

A Voyage to the Pacific Ocean. Undertaken, by the Command of his Majesty, for Making Discoveries in the Northern Hemisphere. Performed Under the Direction of Captains Cook, Clerke, and Gore, in His Majesty's Ships the Resolution and Discovery; in the years 1776, 1777, 1778, 1779, and 1780.. London: Published by Order of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty; printed by H. Hughs for G. Nicol and T. Cadell, 1785. Second edition. Vols. I and II written by Captain James Cook, and Vol. III by Captain James King, with Royal Society medallions engraved on title pages. Quarto text volumes illustrated with engraved views, maps, charts, etc., many folding, and uniformly rebound in three-quarter calf. Large folio atlas contains folding map and views of the landscapes, animals and peoples encountered on the voyages (approx. 59-60), many based on the work of John Webber, official artist of the third voyage. No title page, as typical. Rebound in three-quarter calf with gilt spine tooling and marbled boards. Quarto and atlas volumes contain all plates called for.
12" x 9.5" and 22" x 15.75".
Condition: Pages foxed and toned, commensurate with age, but overall bright and readable. No obvious tears or creases noted. Collations not verified but appears to be complete. Vol. II hinge cracked on early pages of Table of Contents. Some light scuffing on boards. Folio volume with light handling wear on margins but otherwise very clean and bright. Overall a very fine set.

The absence of a condition report does not imply an object is free of defects. All items may have normal signs of age and wear commensurate with their age; these issues will likely not be mentioned in the condition report. Please contact Eldred's before the auction with any condition questions. Questions about condition will not be answered after purchase. Condition reports are provided as a courtesy, and we are not responsible for any errors or omissions. Important note on frames: Frames are not guaranteed to be in the same condition as they are in the item photograph. Due to handling and shipping, many frames, especially antique ones, are prone to losses. If you have questions about the condition of a frame, please contact us prior to the auction. 

  • Provenance: Notes:
    Interest in Cook's discoveries and his tragic death sold out the first edition within days, but the second edition has long been considered the better edition, with superior typography and paper quality. Cook's widow is said to have sent a copy of the second edition to her doctor noting its advantages, and the King's copy, held at the British Library, was also a second edition.

    Webber's portraits and landscapes that documented "discoveries" in natural history and ethnology captured the imagination of Europeans and shaped their perceptions of the Pacific for decades.

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February 27, 2025 9:30 AM EST
East Dennis, MA, US

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