2 volumes. xviii, [2], 602; [4], 607 pp. Folding copper-engraved map of the southern hemisphere. (4to) 11½x8½, period calf, rebacked with modern calf, spines tooled in gilt, raised bands, morocco lettering pieces, new marbled endpapers. First Edition.
Important narrative of Cook's second voyage, preceding the publication of the official account by six months. Hill notes that "Johann Reinhold Forster and Johann Geoeg Adam Forster, father and son, accompanied Cook's second voyage aboard the Resolution. Johann Reinhold Forster was a German naturalist and scientist of English descent, who made significant contributions to natural history and exploration in the late 18th century. It was originally intended that he should write the official record of the voyage, but after a dispute with the Admiralty concerning his emoluments, the offer was withdrawn. The Forsters then set to work writing a report of their own, based on Johann Reinhold's journal and issued by Georg. This is an important and necessary addition to Cook's voyages, although the work has been criticized for its failure to acknowledge assistance derived from Cook's journal..." The large chart of southern hemisphere, approximately 26x26", engraved by William Whitchurch, shows the track of the Resolution, and such lands as were known. Australia is fairly well represented, though the southern portion is indistinct, and Van Diemen's Land is considered part of the main land mass. Hill 625; Holmes 23.
Condition:
Title-page of Vol. I a bit soiled, expert restoration at lower margin; a few expert repairs within, some unobtrusive soiling to contents, map with a few tiny holes where folded; overall very good or better.