3 volumes. [12], xxvi, 139, [3], (363)-676; xvi, 410; [vi], (411)-799 pp. 52 maps, charts and plates, many folding or double-page. (4to) 28.5x22 cm. (11¼x9"), Period calf boards, recased with modern calf spines and corners added. 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. Hill 782; Sabin 30934 ("The first edition, to be preferred for its plates").
Condition:
Original boards with some wear, 20th century owner's name on front flyleaf in third volume; one leaf in the preliminary matter of Volume 1 with loss to the upper corner and the upper corner folded over as a result of a folding error, no loss to text; the large folding chart of the Straights of Magellan has a large piece trimmed from the top half with considerable loss, the breadfruit plate in Volume 2 has been bound in upside down, a few of the folding plates have short closed stub tears; very good.