3 text volumes plus Atlas. Text volumes: [12], xxxvi, 521; xvi, 456; [6], 434, + [2] ad pp. (8vo) 7¾x4¾, period calf, spines gilt in compartments with red and blue morocco lettering-pieces. Atlas: With 48 (of 52) maps, charts & plates, many folding or double-page. 12¾x8½, period half-calf (but not uniform to text). First Edition(?) Together, 4 volumes.
Dublin edition of the text, grouped with an Atlas comprising all of the maps and charts and all but four of the views extracted from a copy of a 4to English edition. The fine quality of impressions appears to be that of the first English edition. This is the 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 charting of New Zealand, the east coast of Australia, etc. This set has been together since the 18th century, with the armorial bookplate of the Scott's of Harden in each volume and also the ownership markings of "W. Scott", either a close relative of or the person of Sir Walter Scott. Scott has inscribed the Atlas as a gift from his brother, Robert Scott, after 1798, and made a note to the location of the "Cuts, amongst the folios" in one of the text volumes, signed or with his initials in several places.
Condition:
Text volumes a bit dry and rubbed at spines and corners, first title lightly browned, some other minor toning/pale stains. Atlas binding worn, covers detached; map of the Straights of Magellan with old fold repairs to verso, plate of breadfruit with repaired tear just into image, scattered other verso repairs to folds or slight loss near folds, slight soiling to view "No. 3", some minor offsetting, mild spotting/darkening near edges and some folds. Overall the plates and views are in extremely good condition, and this set with an intriguing provenance.