Dalrymple, Alexander

An Historical Collection of the Several Voyages and Discoveries in the South Pacific Ocean. London: Printed for the author, and sold by J. Nourse and T. Payne, 1770 [-1771]



2 volumes in one, 4to (10 1/4 x 7 7/8 in.; 260 x 200 mm). Two half-titles the first with advertisement on verso, two titles, dedication leaf, "Monthly Review" leaf, ad page facing index dated April 1771, 4 folding engraved charts, 11 engraved plates (of which 5 are folding), 3 pp. errata; lacking 1 plate, some offsetting from plates, light dampstain in lower margin of one leaf of introduction, small tear in gutter margin of South Pacific map, some light marginal spotting, occasional light browning. Contemporary sprinkled calf, spine gilt with gilt-stamped morocco title label, yellow edges; joints cracked and mended with plastic, edges and corners rubbed.

Sir Gilbert Elliot, 3rd baronet and lord Minto (1722-1777, treasurer of the Navy, with armorial shelf label with motto "credunt quod vident")

Sabin 18338; Hill I, p. 73

2 volumes in one, 4to (10 1/4 x 7 7/8 in.; 260 x 200 mm). Two half-titles the first with advertisement on verso, two titles, dedication leaf, "Monthly Review" leaf, ad page facing index dated April 1771, 4 folding engraved charts, 11 engraved plates (of which 5 are folding), 3 pp. errata; lacking 1 plate, some offsetting from plates, light dampstain in lower margin of one leaf of introduction, small tear in gutter margin of South Pacific map, some light marginal spotting, occasional light browning. Contemporary sprinkled calf, spine gilt with gilt-stamped morocco title label, yellow edges; joints cracked and mended with plastic, edges and corners rubbed.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

First edition of an important compilation of Spanish and Dutch voyages by Alexander Dalrymple, who was the first critical editor of discoveries in Australasia and Polynesia. The first volume consists of Dalrymple's translations of Spanish voyages, beginning with that of Magellan in 1519 and concluding with that of Queirós in 1606. The second volume contains the Dutch voyages of William Schouten and Jacob Le Maire, Abel Tasman, and Jacob Roggeveen. Dalrymple intended the publication of this work to bolster his claim of the existence of a southern continent, but his theory was dispelled by Cook's second voyage (1772-1775).