Condition Report
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Lot 346
Sale 654 - Fine Books and Manuscripts
May 1, 2019
9:59AM CT
Live / Chicago
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Estimate
$400 -
500
Price Realized
$250
Sold prices are inclusive of Buyer’s Premium
Lot Description
WILSON, William. A Missionary Voyage to the Southern Pacific Ocean, Performed in the Years 1796, 1797, 1798, in the Ship Duff...Compiled from Journals of the Officers and the Missionaries.... London: for T. Chapman, 1799.
4to (258 x 200 mm). 6 engraved plates and 7 engraved folding maps and charts (some spotting and staining, a few short separations at folds). Contemporary half calf gilt, marbled boards (hinges starting).
FIRST EDITION, important for its descriptions of Tahiti, the Fiji Islands, and Tonga. The London Missionary Society's sailed from London in 1796 for the purpose of establishing a mission at Tahiti. The Duff was the first missionary vessel to sail the Pacific Ocean. After 208 days, the ship reached Tahiti where the party established a settlement of 25 people. Despite being befriended by King Pomare I, the party were met with numerous difficulties, and eventually fled to Australasia. Cox II:307; Ferguson 301; Hill 1894; Sabin 49480.
Pacific Coast Books ABAA, ILAB