THE VOYAGE OF LA PEROUSE ROUND THE WORLD: In the Years 1785, 1786, 1787, and 1788. To Which is Prefixed , Narrative of an Interesting Voyage from Manila to St. Blaise, and annexed, Travels over the Continent with the Dispatches of La Perouse in 1787 and 1788, by M. de Lesseps. Translated from the French. Illustrated with Fifty-one Plates.
London: John Stockdale, 1798. First edition thus. Hardcover. 2 volumes, contemporary full tan calf by H. Faulkner; [20], cxc, 290; viii, 442, 119 pp, 51 engraved plates in the 2 volumes, including 3 folding maps in first volume. Printed label at upper corner of verso of front free enpaper: "Bound by H. Faulkner, George Court, Adelphi." The British Book Trade Directory finds a Henry Faulkner, Sr., succeded by Henry Faulkner, Jr. at a George Court, Adelphi, from 1790 to 1825. Recently expertly rebacked retaining all original materials, some toning to text and plates but a very good copy. Item #23577
Originally published in French in 1797 this is one of three English-language translations published in 1798-99. This edition being the second of the three, preceded earlier in the year by the Johnson edition (which had only 41 plates). "The narrative of the enterprising but ill-fated Pérouse, is full of interest in all portions, but his relations of the peculiarities he observed in the natives of the northwest coast of North America, are especially valuable. The mysterious fate of this distinguished navigator has never been satisfactorily cleared up. The above account was transmitted from Botany Bay, after leaving this place the expedition was never heard of again" (Sabin). In fact, recent investigations into the fate of La Perouse have determined that both ships in the expedition were wrecked on the reefs of Vanikoro in the Solomon Islands. Cox I, p. 67; Hill 974; Sabin 38964.
Price: $2,500.00