FIRST EDITION, 4 volumes (3 volumes text and atlas), 4to (300 x 230mm.) and folio (564 x 440mm.), half-titles, engraved map and 17 plates; atlas, 10 folding maps, 6 coastal views, together 34 engraved maps and plates, text in contemporary mottled calf, gilt crest to covers, atlas in modern half calf, spine gilt, some light offsetting or faint discoloration, a few minor tears, atlas with upper hinge strengthened and volume 3 with both hinges strengthened, bindings of text volumes with repairs and restoration, rebacked retaining original spines

Charles Blois Miller, bookplate; J.R. Tyrrell & Co., Sydney, bookseller's label; sale in these rooms, Thursday 5 December 1987, lot 170

Bagnall 5702; Ferguson 281; Forbes 298; Hill (2004) 1753; Howes V23; Lada-Mocarski, 55; Sabin 98443; Staton & Tremaine 688

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

''Vancouver, who had served on Captain Cook's second and third voyages, was made commander of a grand-scale expedition to reclaim Britain's rights, resulting from the Nootka Convention, at Nootka Sound, to examine thoroughly the coast south of 60° in order to find a possible passage to the Atlantic, and to learn what establishments had been founded by other powers. This voyage became one of the most important ever made in the interests of geographical knowledge. Vancouver sailed by way of the Cape of Good Hope to Australia, where he discovered King George's sound and Cape Hood, then to New Zealand, Hawaii, and the northwest coast of America. In three seasons' work Vancouver surveyed the coast of California, visited San Francisco and San Diego and other Spanish settlements in Alta California... investigated the Strait of Juan de Fuca, discovered the Strait of Georgia, circumnavigated Vancouver Island, and disproved the existence of any passage between the Pacific and Hudson Bay'' (Hill).