RICHARDSON, John (1787-1865). Arctic Searching Expedition: A Journal of a Boat-Voyage through Rupert's Land and the Arctic Sea, in Search of the Discovery Ships under the Command of Sir John Franklin. London: Longman, Brown, Green and Longmans, 1851.

2 volumes, 8vo (216 x 135 mm). 10 color lithographed plates, including frontispieces in each volume; partially colored folding map laid-in (8 1/4-in. separation along one fold, a few other short tears with repairs). 20th-century half red morocco gilt, marbled boards, spines gilt-lettered and with gilt ship device, signed by Stikeman for Charles Scribners Sons (joints starting). Provenance: Collector's bookplate, a few pencil marks.

FIRST EDITION. After Franklin's disappearance, Richardson, who had accompanied Franklin on two previous expeditions, considered it his duty to search for his friend. He and John Rae accompanied the party down the Mackenzie and along the Arctic coast to the Coppermine River and Fort Confidence. After crossing the Barren Lands to Great Bear Lake, where they wintered, Richardson realized the mission was too taxing; he returned to England and left the younger men to carry on. Richardson also shares observations about the flora and fauna of the region, including an appendix with a detailed listing of Canadian and Arctic plants. Arctic Bibliography 14489; Field 1300; Graff 3493; Sabin 71025; Stafleu & Cowan TL2 9170; Streeter Sale VI:3716; Wagner-Camp 203:1.

[With:] RICHARDSON. The Polar Regions. Edinburgh: Adam and Charles Black, 1861. 8vo. Folding frontispiece map. (Map with a few short separations along folds and soiling.) Modern quarter blue calf, marbled boards. Provenance: Coffee House Inverary (stamps on title); collector's bookplate. FIRST EDITION.

RICHARDSON, John (1787-1865). Arctic Searching Expedition: A Journal of a Boat-Voyage through Rupert's Land and the Arctic Sea, in Search of the Discovery Ships under the Command of Sir John Franklin. London: Longman, Brown, Green and Longmans, 1851.