Two volumes. xx, 551, [1], 82; viii, 574 pp., Four folding tables, twenty plates (five folding) including frontispieces, and four maps (three folding). (8vo) 21.2x12.4 cm (8¼x5”), later three quarter leather over marbled boards, lightly marbled edges.
A classic narrative of Arctic and Greenland whaling, complete with all tables, maps, and plates. The attractive plates illustrate various types of whales and fishes, tools used in whaling, and a variety of snowflake formations.
"'The first volume of this work relates to the progress of discovery in the Arctic regions, and the natural history of Spitzbergen and the Greenland sea; the second is devoted to the whale-fishery as conducted in the seas of Greenland and Davis's Strait[.] Mr. Scoresby, the commander of a Greenland whaler, has here displayed much judicious and active observation, combined with no ordinary share of acquired knowledge and scientific attainment, and prompted by an ardent and generous zeal for useful discovery.' - Rich. 'This standard work comprises all that most persons can wish to know of the subjects of which it treats.' - Macculloch [sic]. 'This, together with a voyage to Greenland, published subsequently by the same author, is full of most valuable information on the meteorology and natural history of this part of the world, besides containing interesting particulars of the whale-fishery.' - Stevenson..." - Sabin. "Geographically [Scoresby's] discoveries were greater in importance and number than those of any other single navigator in northern waters" - Hill.