Vancouver, Captain George

A Voyage of Discovery to the North Pacific Ocean, and Round the World; in which the coast of north-west America has been carefully examined and accurately surveyed. Undertaken by His Majesty's Command, principally with a view to ascertain the existence of any navigable communication between the north Pacific and north Atlantic oceans; and performed in the years 1790-1795, in the Discovery sloop of war, and the armed tender Chatham. London: G.G. and J. Robinson, and J. Edwards, 1798



3 text volumes, 4to (11 7/8 x 9 1/8 in.; 300 x 232 mm), and 1 atlas volume, folio (22 1/4 x 17 1/4 in.; 565 x 438 mm). Half-titles in text volumes, 17 engraved plates after W. Alexander by J. Landseer, J. Fittler and others, including 1 engraved chart in text volumes, 16 engraved plates and charts in atlas volume; some marginal spotting in first few leaves and in plate margins in text vols, tear in lower outer corner of vol. 1, p. 117 mended, some offsetting from plates, a few light spots in image of vol. 2, p. 94, dampstain in upper gutter margin entering image in two final plates of vol. 3 ("Valparaiso" and "Almandral"), short fold tears in each folding chart in atlas volume of which 2 are mended, some light browning and a few spots in charts, lower edges of coastal view plates soiled with a few minor tears. 19th-century half-calf and stippled maroon cloth, gilt-stamped red leather title labels on spines, atlas volume in modern binding to match; corners and edges rubbed, a few scuffs.

Wagner I, pp. 239-250; Sabin 98443; Hill 1753; Lande 1495

First edition, one of the most important geographical surveys undertaken, disproving the existence of a passage between the Pacific and Hudson's Bay.

Setting out in 1791 and sailing around Australia, Vancouver, in the course of three seasons, surveyed the coast of California, visited San Francisco and San Diego, investigated the Strait of Juan de Fuca, discovered the Strait of Georgia, and circumnavigated Vancouver Island.