BELCHER, Edward, Sir (1799–1877). Narrative of a Voyage Round the World, performed in Her Majesty’s Ship Sulphur,... 1836-1842, Including Details of the Naval Operations in China... London: Henry Colburn, 1843.
2 volumes, 8vo. 3 folding maps in Vol. I front cover pocket, 19 engraved plates, engraved vignettes in text (some spotting or browning to plates, small discrete repair to one map at fold verso); advertisements dated February 1843 at end. Original blindstamped blue cloth, gilt–lettered spines, uncut (rebacked in original style, retaining original endpapers, Vol. I spine laid down at end, some toning or darkening at cover edges). Provenance: John Gibbard Esq. (armorial bookplate).
FIRST EDITION of this important surveying voyage to the Pacific, with valuable descriptions of the California and Alaska coasts and of Hawaii. The attractive views include one of Honolulu and another of Mount St. Elias. Ferguson 3564; Forbes 1377; Hill 102; Howes B-318; Lada-Mocarski 117; Sabin 4390; Wickersham 6543a.