Sparrman, Anders.

first edition, part 1 (only, of 3 parts, but complete in itself), 8vo (182 x 107mm.), double-page engraved frontispiece, 8 folding engraved plates, one folding map, contemporary half calf, spine in compartments with raised bands, morocco label, binding rubbed

Eric Gustaf Lidbeck (1724-1803), Swedish botanist, who was a student of Carl Linnaeus at Uppsala (as was Sparrman) and accompanied Linnaeus as secretary on his Västgöta expedition in 1746. Lidbeck was later professor of natural history at Lund University and curator of the botanic garden (signature, dated 1784); by descent to his son Anders Lidbeck (1772-1829), botanist (signature, dated 1797); C.F. Ström (signature); N.P. Osberg (signature)

BCJC 1274 (one location only); Holmes, Captain James Cook: A Bibliographical Excursion, 46; Du Reitz, Bibliotheca Polynesia, 1218; Mendelssohn 4, p. 360; not in Hill

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"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."

part one of the very rare swedish edition. First edition of "Sparrman's account of his travels in South Africa [and its anthropology, flora and fauna], perhaps the most widely read Swedish travel book written before the nineteenth century. Although the title page of this edition is marked "Förste Delen" (i.e. vol.1), the volume is complete and finished whole (the voyage of Cook being described on pp.86-108 and 637-9)" (Du Reitz).

All parts are rare and seldom found together due to the length of publication. The English edition of 1785 translated this part only, and no version of the second part (pub. Stockholm, 1808) appeared in English until the Golden Cockerel Press edition of 1944. The third part appeared in 1818 and is of extreme rarity, Holmes remarking that he had not seen a copy. No copy of any part of the original Swedish edition is held in the Hill collection.

Dr Anders Sparrman (1748-1820), Swedish physician and naturalist, visited the Cape of Good Hope in 1772 for several months before joining Captain Cook on his voyage towards the South Pole. He returned in 1775-1776 when he travelled from the Cape eastwards into Kaffaria.