COOK, CAPTAIN JAMES--WALES, WILLIAM

FIRST EDITION, 4to, [iv], xii, 4, 146pp., 2 large folding engraved maps, red morocco, blue endpapers, gilt edges

Holmes 71; Sabin 101029; not in Hill

A fine 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 major scientific publication based on Cook's first voyage, and one of the first publications about the east coast of Australia. This work includes important charts of the east coast of Australia ('New Holland') and New Zealand, improved from those originally included in Hawkesworth's account of the first voyage, and the first major work of astronomy to study the east coast of New Holland and New Zealand. In 1778 Wales was given the task of producing the official astronomical account of Cook's first voyage following the death of Charles Green. In order to clarify Green's accounts earlier observations had to be included, and with Cook's untimely death during the third voyage Wales had a mammoth task producing this work without Green or Cook's assistance.