Dixon, Captain George.

first edition, 4to (300 x 228mm.), half-title, large folding engraved map, 6 folding charts and 15 plates (one folding), including views, natural history subjects and music, errata and directions to the binder leaf, original paper-backed boards, uncut, titled in ink on spine, preserved in a folding cloth case within a blue morocco-backed cloth slipcase, short old repair to folding map, light offsetting of plates

Howes D365; Sabin 20364; Hill p.23

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."

an exceptional copy of this work in the original unrestored boards of "this excellent authority for the early days of fur trading on the northwest coast" (Streeter).

Both Captain Portlock (who also published an account - see lot 246) and Dixon were well prepared for this voyage; they were with Captain Cook on his third voyage and had seen the "inexhaustible mine of wealth" in fur trading on the northwest coast. They made important maps of the coast and many significant discoveries including Queen Charlotte Island, Port Mulgrave, Norfolk Bay, and Dixon Entrance and Archipelago. The work is primarily an epistolary narrative, being a series of forty-nine letters signed "W.B.", or, William Beresford, super-cargo aboard the Queen Charlotte, but edited by Dixon who added the introduction, the appendix, and the maps. In addition to the letters there are important appendices relating to aspects of natural history and ship's logs.