PBA Galleries

[2], [xix]-xxii, [iii]-xvii,[1], 472; iv, 452 pp. 23 engraved plates, 3 charts (2 folding). Half-title not present. (8vo) 20x13.5 cm (8x5") later half calf and early marbled boards, gilt spines. Second Edition ( first octavo).

Beechey’s party was commissioned to rendezvous in 1826 with John Franklin, who was then proceeding westward along the northern coast of Canada. The two groups came within 150 miles of one another. Beechey explored the northwest coast of Alaska, resulting in discoveries as far north as Point Barrow. Irregular numbering to preliminary pages, but all leaves present with the exception of the half-title. 

Beechey’s narrative includes descriptions of Eskimo village sites and culture, observations in the Kamchatka and Bering Sea regions, as well as discoveries along the coasts of California, Hawaii, Okinawa, and other Pacific islands. During a visit to Pitcairn Island, he interviewed John Adams, the last survivor of the Bounty mutiny, and incorporates details from these discussions into the book. [AB 1227; Lada-Mocarski 95; Streeter 3517]