- 436
Ellis, Henry
Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- Ellis, Henry
- A Voyage to Hudson's-Bay, by the Dobbs Galley and California... for Discovering a North West Passage. London: H. Whitridge, 174
- paper
FIRST EDITION, 8vo (205 x 125mm.), [ii], [v]-xxviii (i.e. A8, a4, b2), 336pp., engraved folding map, 9 plates, most folding, contemporary French red morocco gilt, lettered on upper cover "Ed.", marbled endpapers, inner dentelles, gilt edges
A fine copy.
The first part contains a history of English voyages to discover the north-west passage and the rise of the Hudson's Bay Company. The second describes an expedition under Captain Moor and Captain Smith, financed by private subscription (notably by Arthur Dobbs), on which Ellis was hydrographer, surveyor and mineralogist. The expedition was instigated by the North-West Committee, a body of Dobbs's supporters, in the years following Captain Middleton's abortive attempt to find a passage, and the subsequent acrimonious dispute between Dobbs and Middleton (see lots 400 and 402), described here as "long and warm" (p.99).
This voyage proved, finally, the non-existence of a north-west passage from Hudson's Bay, though the third part contains arguments in favour of a passage, and concludes with "where it might be expected" (pp.327-333). The work contains valuable information on the customs of the Eskimos, until then little known.
A fine copy.
The first part contains a history of English voyages to discover the north-west passage and the rise of the Hudson's Bay Company. The second describes an expedition under Captain Moor and Captain Smith, financed by private subscription (notably by Arthur Dobbs), on which Ellis was hydrographer, surveyor and mineralogist. The expedition was instigated by the North-West Committee, a body of Dobbs's supporters, in the years following Captain Middleton's abortive attempt to find a passage, and the subsequent acrimonious dispute between Dobbs and Middleton (see lots 400 and 402), described here as "long and warm" (p.99).
This voyage proved, finally, the non-existence of a north-west passage from Hudson's Bay, though the third part contains arguments in favour of a passage, and concludes with "where it might be expected" (pp.327-333). The work contains valuable information on the customs of the Eskimos, until then little known.
Provenance
Lamoignon family, with "Bibliotheca Lamoniana" printed book label; Marquis of Hertford, Ragley Hall bookplate
Literature
Hill (2004) 540; Sabin 22312; Staton & Tremaine 207
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.
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."