-
- Captain Cook’s Voyages Round the World.
Captain Cook’s Voyages Round the World.
Cook, James.
M. Brown, ( 1790), Newcastle, UK
Two volumes bound in four, 20 cm. xxvi-512; 513-1622; 498; 499-796. b/w plates, folding chart, folding "Death of Cook" plate.
Price: $1750
This is the so-called “Newcastle Edition” of Cook’s voyages, with plates by Beilby, Lizars, and the noted woodcut artist, Thomas Bewick, who worked with Beilby on this edition, creating copper plate illustrations rather than woodcuts. Beyond the major narratives, this edition also includes accounts by Captain Furneaux, Phippss voyage toward the North Pole, and Governor Phillip’s historic voyage to Botany Bay. Regional printings of Cook’s voyages from provincial England are scarcer than the major London printings. With 51 engraved plates (including the frontispiece portrait, the folding “General Chart,” and the folding plate of Cook’s death), all present and bound as per the Directions to the Binder at the end of the final volume. See Beddie 44. Not in Holmes or Hill. Rebound in 19th century half calf over marbled boards with leather spine labels. The text block has been trimmed in rebinding, and the very top part of the “General Chart” title lettering, and a bit the owner’s signature of R. Young in volume I has been shaved off. The folding “General Chart” and “Death of Cook” plates have been laid down on heavy paper. The lower corner of the Cook plate is spotted. Overall, text and plates are in very good condition, lightly and evenly tanned, with some offsetting. The calf bindings are attractive and tight.
