DIXON. A VOYAGE ROUND THE WORLD; BUT MORE PARTICULARLY TO THE NORTH-WEST COAST OF AMERICA. 1789

Second edition, 4to (279 x 211mm.), half-title, 22 engraved maps, charts and plates (8 folding, 7 natural history plates), contemporary calf gilt, scattered tears and repairs, some maps and plates laid down on fine paper, rebacked, slightly rubbed and stained

H.V. Day, Dorchester, bookseller's label

cf. Hill (2004) 117; cf. Lada-Mocarski 43

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."

"This excellent authority for the early days of fur trading on the northwest coast" (Streeter). Both Captain Portlock and Dixon were well prepared for this voyage; they were with Captain Cook on his third voyage and had seen the opportunities for fur trading on the north-west coast. They made important maps of the coast and many significant discoveries including Queen Charlotte Island, Port Mulgrave, Norfolk Bay, and Dixon Entrance and Archipelago. The work is primarily an epistolary narrative, being a series of forty-nine letters signed "W.B.", or, William Beresford, super-cargo aboard the Queen Charlotte, but edited and corrected by Dixon on nautical points. Dixon also added the introduction, the appendix, and the maps. In addition to the letters there are important appendices relating to aspects of natural history and ship's logs.