Vancouver, Captain George.

first edition, 3 volumes text and one volume atlas, together 4 volumes, text 4to (305 x 233mm.), atlas folio (570 x 440mm.), text with 18 engraved plates, atlas with 16 engraved maps charts and coastal profiles, text contemporary tree calf, roll-tooled borders gilt on covers, flat spine gilt with red and green morocco lettering-pieces, atlas in contemporary boards, later paper lettering-piece, housed in 4 folding morocco-backed cloth cases, some spotting to plates in text, occasional offsetting of plates onto text, quire 2y misbound in vol.2

Duke of Abercorn, ink inscription on front-free endpapers in text

Howes V-23; Sabin 98443; Hill, pp.303-4

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."

''Vancouver, who had served on Captain Cook's second and third voyages, was made commander of a grand-scale expedition to reclaim Britain's rights, resulting from the Nootka Convention, at Nootka Sound, to examine thoroughly the coast south of 60° in order to find a possible passage to the Atlantic, and to learn what establishments had been founded by other powers. This voyage became one of the most important ever made in the interests of geographical knowledge. Vancouver sailed by way of the Cape of Good Hope to Australia, where he discovered King George's sound and Cape Hood, then to New Zealand, Hawaii, and the northwest coast of America. In three seasons' work Vancouver surveyed the coast of California, visited San Francisco and San Diego and other Spanish settlements in Alta California... investigated the Strait of Juan de Fuca, discovered the Strait of Georgia, circumnavigated Vancouver Island, and disproved the existence of any passage between the Pacific and Hudson Bay'' (Hill, The Hill Collection of Pacific Voyages).