COOK, CAPTAIN JAMES--RICKMAN, JOHN

FIRST EDITION, 8vo (213 x 128mm.), [iv], xlvi, 388pp., folding engraved frontispiece, folding engraved map, 4 engraved plates (one folding), contemporary calf, gilt spine, red label, plates slightly offset, upper joint splitting at head and foot, slight abrasion to upper cover

BCJC 1607; Forbes 33; Hill (2004) 1453; Holmes 38; Howes R276; Lada-Mocarski 32; Sabin 36707

A good copy
"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."

THE FIRST FULL ACCOUNT IN ENGLISH OF COOK'S THIRD VOYAGE, published anonymously to avoid legal action by the Admiralty. “... once believed to be written by John Ledyard, who had actually made liberal use of Lieutenant Rickman's account in his own narrative [cf. lot 304]... it anticipated the government’s authorized account by two years. All the journals kept on board were claimed by the Admiralty, thus the author remained strictly anonymous. The text, especially as regards details of Cook’s death, differs considerably from other accounts” (Hill).