Campbell, Archibald

FIRST EDITION, 8vo (211 x 125mm.), 276pp., half-title, engraved folding map, partially hand-coloured, contemporary speckled calf, red label, marbled endpapers, offsetting of map, some spotting

James Smith of Jordanhill, armorial bookplate; Count Revedin, armorial bookplates

Borba de Moraes p.148; Forbes 448; Hill (2004) 244; Lada-Mocarski 71; Sabin 10210

A very good copy
"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."

Presentation copy from the editor, James Smith (see below), inscribed "To Count  P. Rivedin from the Editor". With both their bookplates.

'An early and valuable narrative of adventures on the Northwest Coast of America, Alaska and Hawaii by a common seaman' (Forbes). Campbell was a seasoned sailor by the time he sailed on the Eclipse from Boston. The ship made stops in Japan, Kamchatka, and Alaska; but it was shipwrecked at Sannack. Campbell and his companions continued in the ship's long boat to Kodiak where the boat sprung a leak in a snowstorm. The party was forced to head to the nearest shore where the boat was wrecked. They struggled to reach the small outpost of Karlouski and thence to the main town of Alexandria. En route, Campbell's sealskin boots were soaked, freezing his feet, which necessitated their amputation to the ankle joint. Two fingers were also frostbitten and amputated.

Campbell was sent to Hawaii to recuperate where he resided for a little over a year and became a sailmaker for Kamehameha I. The second half of his narrative contains vivid descriptions of the king, keen observations of native customs from the point of view of a resident rather than that of a visitor, and a useful Hawaiian-English vocabulary and phrase book. "On his return to England, a charitable Mr. Smith drew up this book from Campbell's accounts and had it published for his benefit" (Hill).