COOK, James, Capt. (1728–1779). [Collected Voyages]. First and Second Voyages: London: W. Strahan; and T. Cadell, 1773, 1777; Third Voyage: London: H. Hughes for G. Nicol and T. Cadell, 1785.
Together 9 volumes: 3 works in 8 volumes text, 4to (287 x 229 mm); and one atlas volume for the third voyage, folio (572 x 394 mm).
FIRST VOYAGE: 51 engraved maps, charts and plates; mostly folding (of 52 as in early issues without the “Straights of Magellan” map). SECOND VOYAGE: Engraved frontispiece portrait by J. Basire after William Hodges; 63 plates and maps (most double page or folding). THIRD VOYAGE: 24 engraved maps and charts (mostly folding), folding letterpress table, and 63 plates issued in a separate atlas volume with half title; without the “Death of Cook” plate that was later issued but is sometimes seen bound in into the Third Voyage. (Browning and spotting throughout, many plates also browned or with spotting, some marginal dampstains to plates in the atlas volume, some offsetting to folding plates). Voyages: Uniformly bound in contemporary full diced calf with gilt rolled border, a central winged device on each cover, gilt dentelles (newly rebacked preserving original marbled endpapers, light wear at extreme edges). Atlas: Half contemporary calf, marbled sides, spine in 9 compartments divided with gilt fillets, two red morocco lettering–pieces gilt, joints a bit worn, large marred spot to lower cover near corner, later endsheets).
FIRST EDITION OF THE FIRST TWO VOYAGES without the map of the Straits of Magellan and without Hawkesworth’s Preface to the second edition and only a single line of errata at foot (recto) of the directions for placing the cuts leaf in Volume I of the First Voyages. SECOND EDITION OF THE THIRD VOYAGE WITH THE ELUSIVE ATLAS. “The second edition of Cook’s Third Voyage is considered typographically superior to the first edition” which was a contemporary opinion borne out from a presentation inscription in a set from Isaac Smith (Mrs. Cook’s relative) addressed to Mrs. Cook’s physician, Doctor Elliotson (now at the Dixson Library, State Library of New South Wales) calling it “much superior to the first both in paper & letter press”. Beddie, Mitchell Library 1545, 1552; Forbes 62, 85; Hill 782, 358, 361; Holmes 5, 25, 47; PMM 223; Rosove 77.A1; Sabin 30934, 16245, 16250.