ABEL. NARRATIVE OF CHINA. 1818

FIRST EDITION, 4to (273 x 204mm.), 4 engraved maps (3 folding), 18 engraved or aquatint plates (8 hand-coloured), illustrations in text, errata slip at beginning, contemporary half calf, marbled boards, minor spotting, a few plates trimmed, one folding map repaired, rebacked retaining most of original spine, corners repaired, slightly rubbed, [cf. Abbey, Travel 537 (second edition); Lust 496]

cf. Abbey, Travel 537 (second edition); Lust 496

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."

Abel was chief medical officer and naturalist to Lord Amherst's embassy and a number of the plates are of natural history subjects, including a fine orang-utang (p.323). The description of the voyage includes Java, Hong Kong, Manilla and a sea fight with Malays.