Lot 415
  • 415

Drage, Theodore Swaine

Estimate
10,000 - 20,000 GBP
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Description

  • The Great Probability of a North West Passage: deduced from observations of Admiral de Fonte... With an appendix containing the account of a discovery of part of the coast and inland country of Labrador, made in 1753. The whole intended for the advancement of trade and commerce. London: for Thomas Jefferys, 1768
  • paper
FIRST EDITION, 4to (257 x 202mm.), xxiv, 154pp., half-title, 3 folding engraved maps (the first hand-coloured in outline) by or after Thomas Jefferys, red morocco, gilt spine with the armorial crests of Brooke-Hitching, blue endpapers, gilt edges, short tear along fold of first map, without advertisement leaf



 "An interesting work in the history of the search for the Northwest Passage, discussing the possibility of a passage through to Hudson Bay, or Baffin Bay, via the Strait of Juan de Fuca, or at about the latitude of Queen Charlotte Island." (Hill)



Hill also states that "this work was published and perhaps also edited by the renowned map maker Thomas Jefferys, three of whose maps are contained herein". Glyn Williams, in Voyages of Delusion (Yale University Press, 2003, pp.212-4, 266-8), provides evidence that the author of this anonymous work is Theodore Swaine Drage who also wrote the two volume account of the Smith voyage to the north-west passage in 1749 under the pseudonym Clerk of the California (see lot 414).



 

Literature

Hill (2004) 881; Sabin 28460; Staton & Tremaine 417; Streeter VI 3464; Wagner, Northwest Coast 614

Condition

A fine 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.
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