A very good set in the original wrappers. This 1847 issue follows the first edition which was published between 1841-46. The printer is the same, it has the same number of maps, and similar collation.
In 1837, Dumont d’Urville submitted a proposal to continue exploration in the Pacific, however, mindful of Weddell’s success and Wilkes’s U.S. Exploring Expedition, he was issued instructions to explore the Antarctic – with the ideal aim of claiming the South magnetic pole. The Astrolabe and the Zelee made two attempts: first in 1838, where they reached 64° South but could not break the ice pack, and then again in early 1840 where they discovered Adelie Land. In between the expedition continued to explore the Pacific, visiting the Marquesas, Tahiti, Samoa, Tonga, Guam, Fiji, New Guinea, Borneo, New Zealand and Tasmania.
This set comprises the text volumes only, although includes some of the earliest maps of the Antarctic. A complete set would include the twelve scientific volumes and nine atlases. Dumont d’Urville passed away in 1842 before the complete account was published. The final seven volumes of the text were edited by Charles Jacquinot, commander of the Zelee.
Ferguson, 3184; Hill, 508; Howgego II, D35; Rosove, 105-1.A4.
