Beschreibung:

James Cook's third voyage The official account, 1784 COOK, James (1728-1779) and KING, James (c.1750-1784). A Voyage to the Pacific Ocean. Undertaken by the Command of his Majesty for making Discoveries in the Northern Hemisphere . London: W. and A. Strahan for G. Nichol, 1784. The first edition of Cook's third voyage, with the rare Death of Cook engraving. With orders to seek the Northwest Passage, Cook set sail again in the Resolution for his final mission. "This voyage resulted in what Cook judged his most valuable discovery"—making the first European contact with the people of the Hawaiian Islands (Hill). After charting the American West coast from California to the Bering Strait, where he was stopped by the pack ice, Cook returned to Hawaii to overwinter. The legendary captain was killed during an ill-advised attempt to kidnap Kalani'opu'u-a-Kaiamamao as part of a disagreement over a boat. This set includes the rare "Death of Cook" plate, often absent, bound into the atlas. Hill 361. Three volumes, quarto (278 x 222mm) with folio atlas (555 x 405mm). 88 engraved maps and views, some folding, with "Death of Cook" plate bound in; folding table of world languages (a few repaired marginal tears to map; some offsetting and very light toning; language table with binder’s instructions partially shaved). Modern calf to style (spines sunned), atlas with half calf over marbled boards. Provenance : University of California (ink library stamps throughout, two repaired perforated stamp).