Cook, James

FIRST EDITION, 2 volumes, 4to (285 x 220mm.), 64 engraved plates, maps and charts, 31 folding and/or double-page, one folding letterpress table, modern half calf, a few charts slightly offset, 4 plates folded at foot, minor surface defect to plate at p.197 vol.1, labels chipped with loss

BCJC 1216; Hill (2004) 358; Rosove 77.A1

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, where appropriate.
"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."

Cook's second voyage, in which he was ordered by the Admiralty to "circumnavigate the globe as far south as possible in search of any southern continents. Cook proved that there was no 'Terra Australis' which supposedly lay between New Zealand and South America, but became convinced that there must be land beyond the ice fields. The men of this expedition became the first to cross the Antarctic Circle. Further visits were made to New Zealand, and... Cook made an astonishing series of discoveries and rediscoveries including Easter Island, the Marquesas, Tahiti and the Society Islands, Niue, the Tonga Islands, the New Hebrides, New Caledonia, Norfolk Island, and... rounding Cape Horn, on the last part of the voyage, Cook discovered and charted South Georgia" (Hill).