ANSON, GEORGE, BARON. 1697-1762. A Voyage Round the World, in the Years MDCCXL, I, II, III, IV. ...

ANSON, GEORGE, BARON. 1697-1762. A Voyage Round the World, in the Years MDCCXL, I, II, III, IV. London: For the Author by John and Paul Knapton, 1748. Large 4to (291 x 221 mm). 43 (of 42) engraved maps and plates, most of which are folding. Contemporary calf, skillfully rebacked. Ownership signatures to title-page effaced, some foxing, generally light, but occasionally darker, a few closed tears to folding maps/charts, shelfwear to binding. FIRST EDITION, APPARENT LARGE PAPER COPY of 'the most popular book of maritime adventure in the eighteenth century' (Hill). First issue with p 319 misnumbered 219. Although important data was collected for James Lind's study on scurvy, 'the progress of science formed no part of this expedition which was prepared for attacking, unawares, the Spanish possessions and shipping in the South Sea, and which was so successful, that the prize-money divided amongst the officers and crews amounted to more than a million sterling' (Sabin 101175). This with an additional folding map not called for in the plate list: 'A Chart, Shewing the Track of the Centurion Round the World' and the dimensions in line with the recorded large paper copies. Hill pp 317-8. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing