FORSTER, Johann Georg Adam (1754-1794). A Voyage Round the World, in His Britannic Majesty's Sloop Resolution, and Commanded by Capt. James Cook,...1772...1775. London: for B. White, J. Robson, et al, 1777.

2 volumes, 4to (279 x 220 mm). Engraved folding map; errata. (Slight spotting, minor offsetting to map). 19th-century calf (rebacked in sheep). Provenance: Unidentified armorial bookplate (with motto "Ne vile Velis / Nemo me impune lacessit"); St. Augustine's College Library (bookplate).

FIRST EDITION OF THE FIRST PUBLISHED ACCOUNT OF COOK'S SECOND VOYAGE. "An important and necessary addition to Cook's voyages" (Hill). The author and his father, Johann Reinhold Forster, sailed as naturalists on the Resolution. During this second voyage Cook made the first crossing of the Antarctic Circle, discovered the South Sandwich Islands and dispelled the idea of a great southern continent. Although originally it was intended that the elder Forster would write the official account of the voyage, a dispute with the Admiralty arose over payment and this unofficial account written by father and son was issued in March 1777 under the son's name, some six weeks before Cook's official account of the voyage. "For all the controversy A Voyage round the World is an interesting and important account that complements the official one with facts and astute observations on the human side of the voyage" (Rosove). Beddie 1248; Hill 625; Kroepelien 450; Rosove 132; Sabin 25134.


Estimate $2,500-3,500

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