Cook, Captain James--Maskelyne, Nevil

FIRST EDITION, 8vo, [2], 44, [6]pp., sewn as issued, edges uncut, clamshell case, some wear to spine

Some wear to spine
"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."

VERY RARE AT AUCTION, with no record of sale in either American Book Prices Current or Americana Exchange.

The Astronomer Royal Nevil Maskelyne was responsible for the scientific planning for the observation of the 1769 transit of Venus at Tahiti, the main objective of the Endeavour’s voyage. (Other astronomers were sent to Norway, Canada and Baja California.) The data collected would be crucial in determining the earth’s distance from the sun, which in turn was important for the calculation of longitude. The Tahiti observations were a success, although the expedition’s astronomer Charles Green perished before the end of the expedition. Following the visit to Tahiti, Cook undertook his secret orders to locate the great southern continent.

The text was subsequently added to the Nautical Almanac (see lot 308), but without the title-page and its conjugate leaf "Eclipses of the First Satellite of Jupiter."