Description:
FIRST EDITION, FIRST ISSUE, [34], 417, [3]p., 42 engraved folding maps and plates, list of subscribers, final leaf of directions to the binder, occasional light foxing and offsetting, pp. 319 misnumbered as 219, contemporary catspaw calf, boards twice ruled in gilt, handsomely rebacked, spine gilt, red morocco label, 4to, London, for the Author by John and Paul Knapton, 1748A MASTERPIECE OF DESCRIPTIVE TRAVEL - HillFirst edition of the most popular book of maritime adventure in the eighteenth century. This can be identified as the first of two issues by a misprinted page number (219 instead of 319) and the fact that the engraved plates are all in an early state before the addition of their identifying numbers. The narrative was based on Anson's own journal, along with notes by Richard Watler who was chaplain on the ship Centurion. George Anson entered the Navy during the War of Spanish Succession and spent the next decade rising through the ranks until 1722 when he was promoted to Commander and given… Read More