xx, 392, [1] + [2] ad pp. Illustrated with 9 plates including 3 folding charts (2 quite large), 4 folding copperplates of profiles and coastal views, 2 other copper-engraved plates. (4to) 10¼x8, period diced calf, rebacked with original gilt-tooled spine strip laid on, marbled endpapers. First Edition.
Significant record of exploration of the northwest coast of America, as well as Japan and various Pacific Islands. Hill states that "this is a scarce and exceedingly important work. In 1793 Broughton was made commander of the Providence, Captain Bligh's old ship, and was sent out to the northwest coast of America to join Captain George Vancouver. He sailed to Rio de Janeiro, thence to Australia, Tahiti, and the Hawaiian Islands, and on to Nootka Sound on Vancouver Island. Finding that Captain Vancouver had left, Broughton sailed down the coast to Monterey, across the Pacific to the Hawaiian Islands, and on to Japan. For four years he carried out a close survey of the Coast of Asia and the islands of Japan. The ship was lost off Formosa, but the crew were all saved, and work continued in the tender. He arrived back in England in 1799... This voyage was one of the most important ever made to the northwest coast of America. It is on this document that Great Britain based her claim to the Oregon Territory, in 1846." Lada-Mocarski notes much information regarding the Kurile Islands, and that "the first edition of this work has become extremely rare - and costly. However, the information contained in it is of prime importance." Hill, Pacific Voyages, pp.35-6; Howes B821; Lada-Mocarski 59.
Condition:
Some soiling and shelf-wear to the covers, spine strip rubbed and worn, corners showing; minor foxing and offset to the chart of the N.E. Coast of Asia, splits along central horizontal crease with earlier repairs on verso; chart of Formosa and Lieu Chieux expertly cleaned and restored; occasional stray fox marks and other very minor aging to the contents, still a very nice copy of this landmark account.