PBA Galleries

[4], xxvii, [1], 244, [8], 72 pp. Illustrated with stipple-engraved frontispiece portrait of Wilson; 19 copper-engraved plates, some folding; folding plate of profiles of Pelew Islands; folding chart of Western Pacific. (4to) 29x23 cm (11½x9"), modern morocco-backed marbled boards, gilt decorated spine, lettered in gilt raised bands. Fifth Edition.

The Fifth Edition is the first to include the Supplement by J.P. Hockin. Although the Pelew Islands had been sighted by the Spaniards, the shipwreck of the East India Company's packet near one of the islands brought about the first exploration of the group by Europeans. The crew eventually managed to build a small vessel from the wreckage, in this they reached Macao, taking with them Prince Lee Boo, one of King Abba Thulle's sons, who made a good impression in London but soon died of smallpox. (Cox II, pp.302-303; Hill 907). A few instances of marginalia.