3 volumes. [12], xxxvi, 139, (361)-676; xvi, 410; [vi], (411)-799 pp. 27 maps and charts, 24 of which are folding; 25 engraved plates, 17 of which are folding. (4to) 11½x9, modern full brown morocco, original morocco lettering pieces laid down. First Edition.
First edition of the official account of James Cook's first expedition of discovery into the Pacific, detailing his voyage to Tahiti to observe the transit of Venus, and his masterful charting of New Zealand, the east coast of Australia, etc. Presented to the world are some of the earliest descriptions and illustrations of the wonders of the Pacific, including Tahiti, the Society Islands, New Zealand, the east coast of Australia, and more. Written by John Hawkesworth from Cook's notes, but in the first person, i.e. the person of Cook. Cook was not happy with the treatment, and following his second voyage insisted on editing his own account of the expedition. The first volume of the present work contains accounts of the voyages of Byron, Wallis and Carteret, the last two relate wholly to Cook. This first edition of the first voyage is quite scarce, quickly selling out, with a second edition, in similar format and more commonly found, published the same year. Holmes 5.