Kotzebue, Otto von | "Rich in early original source material on Alaska"

Kotzebue, Otto von

Entdeckungs-Reise in die Süd-See und nach der Berings-Strasse zur Erforschung einer nordöstlichen Durchfahrt: unternommen in den Jahren 1815, 1816, 1817, und 1818. Weimar: Gebrudern Hoffmann, 1821

3 volumes bound in one, 4to (280 x 220 mm, uncut and largely unopened). Title to each volume, 19 handcolored and one uncolored aquatint plates, 4 of which folding, 6 engraved maps, 5 of which folding folding; scattered foxing, occasional offsetting, a few closed primarily marginal tears, occasional soiling. Contemporary boards; soiled and restored, remnants of label to spine. Board slipcase, chemise.

First edition. Kotzebue commanded the second Russian scientific expedition to the Pacific in search of a northwest passage. "The three volumes are rich in early original source material on Alaska. The third volume is very important, as it has considerable scientific data, comparative vocabulary of the native languages, and other pertinent, often unique, information" (Lada-Mocarski). The description of the northwest coast of the United States is particularly valuable.

REFERENCES:

Hill 164; Howes K258; Lada-Mocarski 80; Sabin 38284; Streeter VI:3511