Beschreibung:

Title: A Voyage Around the World, in the Years MDCCXL, I, II, III, IV. By George Anson, Esq; Commander in Chief of a Squadron of His Majesty's Ships, sent upon an Expedition to the South-Seas. Compiled from Papers, and other Materials of the Right Honourable George Lord Anson, and published under his Direction, by Richard Walter, M.A., Chaplain of his Majesty's Ship the Centurion, in that Expedition Author: Anson, George and Richard Walter Place: London Publisher: Printed for the Author by John & Paul Knapton Date: 1748 Description: [34], 417, [3] pp. 42 copper-engraved maps, charts, views, coastal profiles, etc., most folding. (4to) 25.5x19.5 cm (10x7¾"), period unfinished calf, stamped in blind, leather spine label lettered in gilt. First Edition. With list of subscribers' names in the preliminary matter. Famous for the many engraved charts and views, but also noteworthy for the text chronicling adventure and discovery as Anson roamed the Pacific in pursuit of Spanish treasure, at which he was very successful, capturing in 1743 the Manila galleon with a treasure of £400,000 sterling, returning to England a rich and famous man. Hill comments that "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." Cox notes that four editions came out the first year of publication, with 16 by 1781. He also comments on the "famous and unfortunate" nature of the expedition, with seven of the eight ships that set out being lost rounding Cape Horn and on the coast of Chile, and more than two thirds of the 900 men that set out from England perishing. Cox Vol. I, p.49; Hill Pacific Voyages, p.317-18. From the library of aviation pioneer William E. Boeing. Lot Amendments Condition: Spine sunned, some wear at edges, joints splitting, hinges starting, bookplate; light foxing, some offsetting of text to plates; very good. Item number: 234701