ROSS, John (1777-1856). Narrative of a Second Voyage in Search of a North-West Passage, and of a Residence in the Arctic Regions during the Years 1829, 1830, 1831, 1832, 1833. London: A. W. Webster, 1835.

Volume I (Narrative) only, 4to (300 x 238 mm). Errata; 31 plates and maps, comprising: 5 maps and charts (one printed in 2 colors), engraved folding map hand-colored in outline (short tear to fold, a few minor mostly marginal stains), 25 plates (3 color-printed mezzotints finished in hand-coloring, 6 hand-colored lithographs, the rest steel-engraved). (Some pale offsetting, light dampstaining to lower corner of some leaves at end.) Contemporary diced russia gilt (modern rebacking preserving old lettering-piece).

FIRST EDITION. After Ross's disastrous voyage in 1818, the Admiralty refused to let Ross lead another expedition until 1829. He secured funding from gin magnate Felix Booth and contributed financially to the voyage himself. He sailed, with his nephew James Clark Ross as second in command, on the steam vessel Victory, which was the first steam-powered Arctic exploring vessel. Victory was beset in ice for four consecutive winters, during which the expedition explored Prince Regent Inlet, and discovered Boothia Peninsula and crossed it; James Clark Ross discovered the North Magnetic Pole. The party made their way by sledge and small boat to Lancaster Sound, where they found Ross's old ship, the Isabella, which they used to return to England. James Clark Ross was knighted for his discovery of the magnetic pole. The performance and loss of the Victory were long disputed by the Admiralty, her engine makers, and Ross, resulting in a pamphlet war (see lot 166). Ross published more about the scientific discoveries of the expedition in the Appendix (see next lot). Abbey Travel 636; Arctic Bibliography 14866; Field 1321; Hill 1490; Lande 1426; NMM 850; Sabin 73381; Staton & Tremaine/TPL 1808.


Estimate $600-800

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