VOYAGE AUTOUR DU MONDE, FAIT DANS LES ANNE'ES MDCCXL, I, II, III, IV. PAR GEORGE ANSON....
Amsterdam & Leipzig. 1749. [8],xvi,333,[1]pp. plus thirty-two plates (twenty-nine folding) and three folding maps. Half title. Quarto. Antique-style three- quarter calf and marbled boards. Contemporary ownership inscriptions on half title and titlepage. Light foxing and soiling. Several maps with old repaired tears, without loss, at connective gutter margin. Very good. Item #WRCAM45744
First French edition, after the first English of the previous year. The narrative, based on Anson's own journal, had an enormous popular success. For the mid-18th-century reader it was the epitome of adventure, and it was translated into several European languages and stayed in print through numerous editions for many years. Anson's mission was to harass Spanish shipping along the west coast of South America during 1740- 43, and concluded with the capture of a Manila galleon carrying £400,000 in treasure. The text was compiled by Richard Walter, the chaplain on board the Centurion, from Anson's papers and official logs. Elaborately illustrated with dozens of copper plate engravings, including numerous views of islands and harbors visited. "This compilation has long occupied a distinguished position as a masterpiece of descriptive travel...the most popular book of maritime adventure of the eighteenth century" - Hill. One of the most popular nautical narratives of the 18th century. EUROPEAN AMERICANA 749/283. BORBA DE MORAES, p.38. PALAU 12865. HILL 1817 (ref).
Price: $3,000.00