SCORESBY, WILLIAM | An Account of the Arctic Regions; with a History and Description of the Northern Whale-Fishery. Edinburgh: Archibald Constable, 1820

SCORESBY, WILLIAM

An Account of the Arctic Regions; with a History and Description of the Northern Whale-Fishery. Edinburgh: Archibald Constable, 1820

2 volumes, 8vo (8 5/8 x 5 1/8 in.; 215 x 130 mm). Folding engraved frontispiece plate to each volume, titles to each volume, 3 folding tables, 23 engraved plates numbered as 22 (2 distinct plates numbered as "12"), six of which folding; repair to frontispiece plate of Vol. II, some toning and foxing, one or two closed tears to folding plates. Contemporary half brown calf over marbled boards, spines with raised bands in six compartments, second gilt lettered, others with repeat overall decoration in blind, edges speckled, binder's ticket (Henderson & Bisset) to rear pastedown of Vol. II; some rubbing to extremities, upper joint of Vol. II repaired.

First edition of this early and influential whaling text

“Using vivid and detailed descriptions of equipment and hunting methods, [Scoresby] gave an account of early Arctic whale fishery and, using detailed statistics, described its economics. He reviewed the history of Arctic exploration and made far-sighted suggestions as to how it might be further advanced. The work attracted the notice of scientists throughout Europe, while also gaining a wide readership, including Mrs Gaskell, who used material from it in Sylvia's Lovers" (ODNB).

REFERENCES

Sabin 78167; cf. Hill (2004) 1543 (footnote)