Richardson, John

FIRST EDITION, 2 volumes, 8vo (217 x 139mm.), (vol.1) viii, 414pp.; (vol.2) viii, 426pp., large folding engraved map hand-coloured in outline, 10 hand-coloured lithographed plates, original blindstamped blue-grey cloth, yellow endpapers, red morocco-backed folding boxes

Isaac Norris, engraved armorial bookplate

Arctic Bibliography 14489; Sabin 71025

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"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."

AN EXCEPTIONALLY FINE COPY. Richardson had accompanied Franklin on a previous expedition in search of the north-west passage; when his friend disappeared, Richardson was compelled to mount a search. “Leaving his third wife… whom he had married on 4 August 1847, [Richardson] set out with John Rae. In three boats, with eighteen men, they reached the mouth of the Mackenzie River in August 1848 and scouted eastward toward the Coppermine River. They had a difficult retreat across the Barren Lands to Great Bear Lake, where they wintered. Admitting that the task was too taxing for him, Richardson left the younger men to carry on, and returned to England in 1849” (ODNB).