3 volumes + Atlas. xxiv, 391; [4], 386; [4], 371, [1] pp. Atlas titled "Collection de Cartes Geographiques, Vues, Marines, Plans et Portraits, Relatifs aux Voyages du Capitaine J. Meares...", with [4] pp. text + 28 engraved maps, plans, coastal views, portraits, etc., many folding. Text volumes are (8vo) 21.3x13.8 cm (8½x5½"), untrimmed in original blue wrappers; atlas is (4to) 31x24 cm (12¼x9½"), original blue paper boards. First French Edition.
Meares' pioneering voyages to the Northwest coast provided the basis for Britain's claims to Oregon. The treaty which followed the seizure of Meares' ships in Nootka Sound required Spain's forfeiture of claims to territory north of California. The French edition is notable for the separate atlas, with the finely engraved maps and plates on thick paper. Text volumes with early ownership signatures of Chas. Forbes to the half titles. The text volumes and atlas were purchased separately.
Provenance: Text: Maggs, '77. Atlas: Galerie Grand Rue, '77
References: Howes M-469. CS-G 2735, 2736. L-M 46 (Eng.ed.) Forbes Hawaii, no. 238.
Condition:
Wrappers worn, front wrapper of Vol. I lacking, spine strip of Vol. III perished; upper right corners of 1st few leaves of Vol. II torn of not affecting text; Atlas spine strip perished, plate of entranst to Strait of Juan de Fuca somewhat darkened; else very good, in rare original state.