(Anson, George) | Collection of works

Anson, George

A Voyage Round the World, in the Years MDCCXL, I, II, III, IV. London: For the Author by John and Paul Knapton, 1748

Large 4to (283 x 233 mm). 42 engraved plates, maps and plans, all but one double-page and/or folding, directions to the binder leaf at end; some offsetting from plates. Contemporary mottled calf; corners restored, rebacked to style.

First edition, a large paper copy. The first issue with page 319 misnumbered.

"This compilation has long occupied a distinguished position as a masterpiece of descriptive travel. Anson's voyage appears to have been the most popular book of maritime adventure of the eighteenth century" (Hill). Anson was Commander in Chief of a mission to the South Seas, 1740-1744. Undertaken during the Anglo-Spanish war, the intention of the mission was to raid the coast of Pacific South America, to attack Panama and incite the native population to rebel against the Spanish. Bad weather, bad luck and scurvy depleted the squadron so that only one of the eight ships, the Centurion, remained. The capture of a Spanish ship laden with silver and gold was the one success of the mission.

PROVENANCE:

Hill 1817; Sabin 1625

[With:] Anson, George. A Voyage to the South-Seas, and to many other Parts of the World, Performed. . . By Commodore Anson... by an Officer of the Squadron. London: R. Walker, 1744. 2 parts in 1 volume. 8vo. Engraved portrait frontispiece, 5 folding engraved plates; plate folds restored on versos, title rubbed. Contemporary calf; rebacked. One of the anonymous accounts published prior to the official. Hill 1787. [And:] Bulkeley, John and John Cummins. Voyage A la Mer du Sud, fait par quelques officiers commandants le vaisseau le Wager pour servir de suite au Voyage de Georges Anson. Lyon: Duplain, 1756. 8vo. Half-title a little browned. Contemporary mottled calf, spine gilt. First French edition of this supplement. [And:] Pascoe, Thomas. A True and Impartial Journal of a Voyage to the South-Seas, and Round the Globe, in His Majesty's Ship the Centurion,... London: S. Birt, 1745. 8vo. A few stains. Modern Calf to style. Hill 1693; Sabin 95437.

Together 4 works in 4 volumes.

Sold as a group, not subject to return.