Nicol, John

FIRST EDITION, 12mo (168 x 95mm.), viii, [iv], 216pp., half-title, engraved portrait, contemporary polished blue calf by C. Lewis, spine gilt with cross-pattées and cinquefoils in compartments, red label and endpapers, gilt edges

William Beckford, sale in these rooms, 2 July 1883, lot 89; Archibald, 5th Earl of Rosebery and Midlothian, bookplate, sale in these rooms, 27 October 1975, lot 251

Lada-Mocarski 85; Ferguson 875; Forbes 556; Hill (2004) 1225; Howes N150; Sabin 55241 

A 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."

THE BECKFORD-ROSEBERY COPY.

"Serving on various vessels from 1776 to 1801, Nicol made several voyages to the South Seas and New South Wales. He gives an intriguing account of his visit to the Hawaiian Islands and of life on a South Sea whaler. He served with Captain Portlock [see lot 1034] during the voyage to Hawaii and the northwest coast and mentions that the chief who killed Captain Cook stayed on their ship for three weeks. In 1789 Nicol was on the Lady Juliana, a transport taking 245 female convicts to New South Wales, and he gives an interesting account of his experiences" (Hill).