- 125
Best, George
Estimate
2,000 - 3,000 GBP
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Description
- Best, George
- [A True Discourse of the late voyages of discoverie, for the finding of a passage to Cathaya, by the Northweast, under the conduct of Martin Frobisher. London: H. Bynnyman, 1578]
- paper
FIRST EDITION, small 4to (171 x 123mm.), collation of this copy pp.1-52 [first voyage, text complete], pp.1-14, 17-40 [second voyage, text lacks 1 leaf], pp.1-59 [third voyage, text complete], pp.60-62 [Description of Meta Incognita, lacks final 3 leaves], nineteenth-century blindstamped calf, red spine label, marbled endpapers, lacks 12 leaves (a-b4 (title and preliminaries), B4, N4, and O1-2), also lacks the 2 maps, first and last leaf soiled, some other stains and soiling, slightly cropped in places affecting some headlines
Literature
Church 122; Sabin 5051 ("a book of great rarity"); STC 1972
Condition
The condition of this lot is as described in the catalogue description
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
The first account of Frobisher's three voyages in search of the North West Passage by George Best, who accompanied him on each voyage.
This is a work of great rarity. No copies whatsoever are recorded on ABPC and although AE records sales in 1948, 1960 and 1961, they too were all imperfect copies. The Church copy was also imperfect.