COOKE, A VOYAGE TO THE SOUTH SEA, AND ROUND THE WORLD, 1712

FIRST EDITION, 8vo (196 x 116mm.), folding double-hemisphere engraved world map, 3 engraved maps and plans (2 folding), 16 engraved plates, contemporary calf gilt, minor wear to spine

Lord Sandys, armorial bookplate (probably Samuel Sandys, 1st Baron Sandys, 1695-1770)

cf. Borba de Moraes p.206; cf. Hill (2004) 372; cf. Sabin 16303; cf. Wagner 77

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, 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."

Cooke served as first mate on the Dutchess under Woodes Rogers' general command, in a privateering expedition that included parts of the west coast of the Americas. Their chief goal in 1708 was to capture the Manila treasure ship as it approached Acapulco. Cooke's voyage is generally accepted as the probable source for Robinson Crusoe, with Defoe using Alexander Selkirk's account of his years on Juan Fernandez Island as related by Cooke. Apparently there was considerable rivalry between the publishers of Cooke's account and those of Rogers' account to be the first to market, resulting in this one-volume edition with the second portion of the voyage compressed at the end. A two-volume set quickly followed, the latter part of the voyage being contained in the second volume. This [first] volume was issued separately, with no indication - as in the second edition - that it was volume I of an issue of two volumes, but both Sabin and Wagner incorrectly enter it as volume 1 of a two-volume edition.