Adventure & Exploration Library of Steve Fossett

4 volumes, 4to (248 x 196 mm). Folding table in vol. I, engraved plate, one large engraved folding world map and 14 engraved folding maps and charts in vol. IV. (Some spotting.) Contemporary half calf gilt, smooth spines gilt, tan morocco lettering-pieces gilt (rubbed, spine labels chipping).FIRST EDITION, A FINE SET OF THIS IMPORTANT ACCOUNT OF THE SECOND FRENCH CIRCUMNAVIGATION. This "very important and authoritative work for the history of the northwest coast" (Lada-Mocarski) was issued in two forms: "Simultaneously with this quarto edition there appeared an octavo edition with a quarto atlas. The all-quarto edition... is to be preferred" (Lada-Mocarski). Marchand, commander of this first French commercial voyage to the Pacific Northwest, learned about the lucrative fur trade from Portlock. He sailed via Cape Horn, and traded along the Northwest coast throughout the summer of 1791; from there, he sailed to Hawaii and Macao, where he failed to sell his valuable furs. On his return to France, the Revolutionary government confiscated his cargo, and the voyage was a loss for its investors. On Marchand's death in 1793, Count Fleurieu, a scholar and experienced Pacific explorer, took over the publication of the work, which he enhanced with his own history of exploration. Forbes 292; Hill 612; Howes F-195; Lada-Mocarski 54; see Sabin 24751 (octavo edition); Wagner Northwest Coast I:212.