Anson, George.

first edition, 4to (254 x 194mm.), 42 engraved folding maps and plates, directions to the binder at end, contemporary mottled calf, occasional offsetting of text onto plates, some plates with tears (without loss) or creased, joints split, head of spine slightly chipped 

John Floud, signature on preliminary blank and title. Floud was a lawyer who was admitted to the Inner Temple on 1 May 1769.

Hill p.317; Sabin 1626

In 1739, during England's war with Spain, Anson was sent to cut off Spanish supplies from the Pacific. He continued to "take prizes'' in the Pacific during the following years. Among the engravings are some of importance for the history of the Americas, including a large folding map illustrating the Manila Galleon's route in the Philippines, captured Spanish ships and charts of the Pacific coast of South America. "This compilation has long occupied a distinguished position as a masterpiece of descriptive travel. Anson's voyage appears to have been the most popular book of maritime adventure of the eighteenth century." (Hill)