[34], 417, [2] pp. With 42 copper-engraved maps, charts, views, coastal profiles, etc., most folding. (4to) 25x19.5 cm (9¾x7¾"), period calf, rebacked with original gilt-tooled spine strip laid on, morocco lettering pieces, all edges gilt. First Edition, subscriber's copy.
Rare, early subscriber's issue, with [12]-page list of subscribers following the dedication pages - page 319 is misnumbered 219, the plates are unnumbered and on heavy paper, indicating an early printing. With armorial bookplate of Lancelot Holland; there is a Richard Holland in the list of subscribers. Famous for the many engraved charts and views, but also noteworthy for the text chronicling adventure and discovery as Anson roamed the Pacific in pursuit of Spanish treasure, at which he was very successful, capturing in 1743 the Manila galleon with a treasure of £400,000 sterling, returning to England a rich and famous man. Hill comments that "This compilation has long occupied a distinguished position as a masterpiece of descriptive travel. Anson's voyage appears to have been the most popular book of maritime adventure of the eighteenth century." Cox notes that four editions came out the first year of publication, with 16 by 1781. He also comments on the "famous and unfortunate" nature of the expedition, with seven of the eight ships that set out being lost rounding Cape Horn and on the coast of Chile, and more than two thirds of the 900 men that set out from England perishing. Hill 1817.
Condition:
Rubbing and extremity wear to covers; light offsetting from the text to some of the plates, but less than is usually the case, 3 fold-outs with short stub tears, the longest being about 5" to the chart of the Philippines. A very good copy, nicer than generally seen.