ANSON, George (1697-1762). A Voyage round the World, In the Years 1740... 1744. Compiled by Richard Walter. London: John and Paul Knapton for the author, 1748.

4to (254 x 197 mm). 42 engraved folding plates and maps (some offsetting from text to plates); 12 pp. list of subscribers (lacking directions to binder leaf). Full contemporary calf twice ruled in gilt, neatly rebacked to style with elaborate gilt tooling on spine. Provenance: James Pennyman (armorial bookplate and signature on title), whose name is listed as being a subscriber; Henry Fowler Broadwood (armorial bookplate).

FIRST EDITION, EARLY ISSUE with unnumbered plates and page 319 misnumbered as 219. The official account of one of the landmark 18th-century circumnavigations: “This compilation has long occupied a distinguished position as a masterpiece of descriptive travel. Anson’s voyage appears to have been the most popular book of maritime adventure of the eighteenth century” (Hill). RARE SUBSCRIBER’S COPY. Borba de Moraes, p. 38; Cox I, p. 49; ESTC T89475; Hill 1817; Sabin 1625 101175.

[With:] a partial manuscript document signed (“Anson”) tipped to front pastedown, for a loan on salt, 21 May 1752.