- 315
COOK, CAPTAIN JAMES--SAMWELL, DAVID
Estimate
50,000 - 80,000 GBP
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Description
- A Narrative of the Death of Captain James Cook. To which are added some particulars, concerning his life and character. And observations respecting the introduction of the venereal disease into the Sandwich Islands. London: for G.G.J. and J. Robinson, 1786
- paper
FIRST EDITION, 4to (276 x 215mm.), [iv], 34pp., red straight-grained morocco covers (c.1820), richly decorated in gilt, dark green endpapers, gilt spine with low raised bands, rebacked, slightly foxed
Literature
BCJC 1620; Forbes 117; Hill (2004) 1521; Holmes 61; Lada-Mocarski 39; Sabin 75970
Condition
A finely bound copy.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
"This exceedingly rare work may perhaps be considered the highlight of a Cook collection" (Hill). Besides being one of the most elusive of Cook-related items to acquire, Samwell's Narrativeconstitutes one of the earliest books on Hawaii after the official and unofficial accounts of Cook's third voyage.
"[It] is of the greatest importance, since it fills in gaps, e.g. as to the responsibility for Cook's death, which are suppressed in the official account" (Holmes). Samwell sailed as surgeon's mate in the Resolution, but on William Anderson's death on August 3rd, 1778, Thomas Law, surgeon in the Discovery, was transferred to the Resolution in his place and Samwell took Law's place in the Discovery.