Lisiansky, Urey F.

first english edition, 4to (275 x 210mm.), engraved portrait frontispiece of Lisiansky, hand-coloured engraved folding chart of the world, 7 other hand-coloured charts, 2 folding, 2 hand-coloured aquatint views, 3 engraved plates, contemporary polished calf, gilt border to sides, blindstamped arms of Baron Bagot to sides, spine in compartments with raised bands gilt, green morocco label, preserved in a blue clamshell case, light offsetting onto text and plates, upper joint splitting

Sir William Bagot, 2nd Baron Bagot (1773-1856), arms to sides

Abbey, Travel 4; Graff 2506; Hill p.182; Sabin 41416

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."

a fine copy of "a highly important work on sitka, kodiak and other parts of the northwest coast" (Graff).

Lisiansky served with the Russian Baltic fleet from 1790 to 1809. Between 1793 and 1799 he sailed on vessels of the British fleet and took part in naval operations off North America, India and South Africa. On his return to Russia he assisted in the preparations for, and was second-in-command on the first Russian circumnavigation under Krusenshtern on board the Neva, during which voyage links were opened with Japan.

At Kodiak, he received news of a massacre at Sitka, a settlement of the Russian-America Company: "The Kolosh Indians had attacked the post and slaughtered almost the entire garrison. Lisiansky laid siege to the Kolosh stronghold and ultimately drove the Indians into the back country. Lisiansky, commanding the Neva, followed a different route to that of Krusenshtern, separating at the Hawaiian Islands. He called at Easter Island, the Marquesas, and discovered and named Lisianski Island... Appended are vocabularies of the language of Nuku Hiva, the Hawaiian Islands, the islands of Kodiak and Unalaska, the Bay of Kenai and Sitka Sound." (Hill)