FORSTER (John Reinold).

Observations made during a Voyage round the World, on Physical Geography, Natural History, and Ethic Philosophy...

WITH THE RARE MAP

First edition. Folding map, large folding table. 4to. Contemporary calf, re-backed (new spine stamped in gilt); boards slightly rubbed and marked, extremities worn (especially at 3 corners). A few instances of mild spotting (initial leaves and pages facing plates), small paper repair to verso of folding table, interior otherwise very clean and fresh. pp. [iv], iii, [1]blank, iv, [9]-16, [9]-649, [1](errata), [1]list of subscribers, [1]blank. London: Pr. for G. Robinson, 1778.

£6,000.00

Originally intended to be included with the official narrative of Cook’s second voyage, Forster provides a particularly good account of the countries visited, along with a fine comparative table of the languages of the South Seas.

This copy has the map which is often lacking: “A Chart representing the isles of the South-Sea, according to the notions of the inhabitants of O-Taheitee and the Neighbouring Isles, chiefly collected from the accounts of Tupaya”. Drawn by Europeans, but based on indigenous knowledge, its importance stems from the suggestion that the Tahitian’s geographical knowledge was much greater than previously assumed.

Du Rietz, 456; Sabin, 25140.

Stock No.
194251