KING, Richard (1811?-1876). Narrative of a Journey to the Shores of the Arctic Ocean. London, 1836. FIRST EDITION.
2 volumes, 8vo (191 x 117 mm). 4 engraved plates, including 3 frontispieces and a folding map. (Plates and most leaves slightly browned.) Modern green half morocco, marbled boards. FIRST EDITION. "King, surgeon and naturalist of the Back expedition that descended the Back River to the arctic coast of Canada, includes much material similar to that contained in Sir George Back's Narrative of the Arctic Land Expedition, 1836, with additional detail on birds, mammals, and fishes, especially as observed near Fort Reliance" (Arctic Bibliography). King claimed that Back's account, published earlier the same year, included much of his own research and observations without giving credit to him; he sought redress in this work. According to Field, "[King] does not attempt to conceal the chagrin he felt, at the cool absorption of his own careful researches in the narrative of Captain Back." Arctic Bibliography 8708; Field 831; Sabin 37831 (calling for 7 plates); Staton & Tremaine/TPL 1899.
